Next Liverpool manager: Who will replace Klopp? Alonso, Gerrard, Postecoglou, Nagelsmann
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Xabi Alonso, Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto de Zerbi are among the managerial names being talked about as Jurgen Klopp's replacement
It was the news no-one saw coming.
Jurgen Klopp's revelation that he will be leaving his role as Liverpool manager at the end of the season has left devastated Reds fans searching for answers to numerous questions.
None more so than 'who next'?
BBC Sport takes a look at some of the early contenders - plus you can vote on who you think should take over the Anfield hot seat.
Xabi Alonso
Why Leverkusen's Alonso is wanted by Europe's biggest clubs
The early favourite with the bookmakers and a manager who has previously been talked about as a potential Klopp successor one day.
The former Liverpool midfielder has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen this campaign, taking them to the top of the Bundesliga - four points clear of Bayern Munich - after guiding them to last year's Europa League semi-finals in his first half season in charge.
The 42-year-old, who is under contract until 2026, has the German side playing expansive, attacking football and would be a popular choice among Liverpool fans.
Roberto de Zerbi
Of those currently managing in the Premier League, Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi would seem to be the most likely candidate to replace Klopp.
The 44-year-old Italian has impressed the Liverpool boss with his tactical versatility having secured victories over the Reds in the league and FA Cup last season, as well as a 3-3 draw at Anfield in his first game in charge of the Seagulls.
De Zerbi guided Brighton to sixth place last year, which saw the club qualify for European competition for the first time.
Luis Enrique
Now manager of Paris St-Germain, the 53-year-old was previously boss of Spain.
He left that role after being knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco in the last 16 in December 2022, having previously guided his country to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
Enrique's most successful period as manager at club level came with Barcelona. Between 2014 and 2017 he won the Champions League and guided them to two La Liga titles, three Copas del Rey, the Super Cup, the Club World Cup and Spanish Super Cup.
Steven Gerrard
A name that will inevitably be linked with the vacancy in the next few months.
The Liverpool legend, 43, has often been talked about as being Klopp's long-term successor - especially after guiding Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title in 2021.
His success north of the border, though, preceded a less fruitful spell as Aston Villa boss, before moving to Saudi Arabia side Al-Ettifaq, with whom he has recently signed a new deal.
Pep Lijnders
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp's backroom staff at Anfield
The Liverpool assistant manager is also expected to leave the club to pursue a career in management, but could he be persuaded to remain at Anfield as the main man?
The 41-year-old is a well-respected coach but his only previous management experience was an unsuccessful spell with NEC in the Dutch second tier - sandwiched between his two spells as Liverpool's number two.
Julian Nagelsmann
The former Bayern Munich boss, 36, took over as Germany manager last September but his contract only runs until July 2024 and he would be available after this summer's European Championships.
The pair previously shared the same agent - Marc Kosicke - and Klopp described Nagelsmann as a "young horse" and a "big, big coaching talent".
The former RB Leipzig boss won the Bundesliga in his first season in charge at Bayern Munich, before being dismissed.
Ange Postecoglou
Tottenham's Australian boss was a "massive" Liverpool fan growing up, has guided Spurs to fifth in the Premier League this season and brought an entertaining style of football to the club.
The 58-year-old previously led Celtic to the Scottish title both years he was there, plus the domestic treble last campaign.
Diego Simeone
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone is renowned for his passion on the touchline
He is one of the longest-serving managers in Europe's top five leagues having managed Atletico Madrid since 2011. He is regularly linked with the top jobs whenever they become vacant but appears fully committed to the Spanish club.
The 53-year-old Argentine broke the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona to twice win La Liga in 2013-14 and 2020-21, as well as winning the Europa League in 2011-12 and 2017-18.
His more pragmatic playing style would be a break from the attacking approach of Klopp's Liverpool.
Zinedine Zidane
The France legend, 51, is another high-profile manager out of work, though whether he is looking for another job at the moment is another matter.
A World Cup and European Championship winner with his country as a player, he won the Champions League three times and La Liga twice as Real Madrid boss.
The outside contenders
Former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who won the European Cup in 2005, still has a house on the Wirral where his family are living. He is currently managing La Liga club Celta Vigo.
Other high-profile out-of-work bosses include Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho, Hansi Flick, Graham Potter, Joachim Low and Julen Lopetegui.
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