Zidane 'tempted' to succeed Klopp as Liverpool manager

Suraj Radia

• 30 Jan 2024 16:54 GMT
• 3 min read

The news that Jurgen Klopp will step down from his post as Liverpool manager at the end of the season has sent waves through the footballing world, with many coaches considering the possibility of succeeding the German at Anfield.

Klopp will leave this summer after nine years in charge and Liverpool are already considering his replacement, with club icon Xabi Alonso considered the frontrunner for the job.

However, doubts are already beginning to form over whether Alonso would be willing to leave Leverkusen so soon, having taken over the German side in 2022 and competing for the Bundesliga title this season.

Much will likely depend on whether Leverkusen can maintain their two point lead over Bayern Munich, with Spanish outlet todofichajes claiming Alonso is considering whether it is too early to leave for the Liverpool or Real Madrid job, which he has also been linked to.

Consequently, while Liverpool are thought to have Alonso as their first choice to succeed Klopp, a backup also being considered and ‘all eyes point to the same objective’ according to the report, which states Zinedine Zidane is the club’s ‘plan B’.

Representatives from Liverpool are already said to have surveyed Zidane’s interest in the role, with the Frenchman said to be ‘tempted’ by the idea of a ‘solid project’ in combination with being offered the possibility of adding a player of his choice to the squad if he joined.

Zidane’s Premier League concerns

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real in 2021, having won 11 trophies in four years in Madrid, including three Champions Leagues, across two different spells.

The ex-Juventus midfielder has already reportedly rejected approaches from Manchester United among other sides during his three-year hiatus, with a move to his boyhood club Marseille thought to be the only job he would consider stepping back into management for.

Zidane is believed to be uncertain about a move to the Premier League due to his limited command of the English language, with the French legend concerned over being able to cohesively implement his instructions to his players.

However, a move to Liverpool would be intriguing option, although much would depend on Alonso’s decision over his own future – something which he will only decide at the end of the season, leaving the door open for Zidane to consider his options.