The next month promises to be pivotal for Liverpool as they try to nail down their new manager.
It’s now just seven weeks until Jurgen Klopp walks out at Anfield for the final time as Liverpool manager. Imagine that. It doesn’t really bear thinking about.
Nevertheless, it will happen. And as of right now, supporters have no idea of who will be coming in to replace him.
After Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of contention this weekend, Ruben Amorim appears to be the leading candidate. But he’s far from being the only option.
Another one reportedly under consideration is Bologna boss Thiago Motta. Having led the Rossoblu to fourth in the Serie A table this year, Motta is in the frame. And before his team’s game tomorrow, the 41-year-old has addressed the rumours.
What has Thiago Motta said
Motta has come a little from nowhere to be in the mix at Liverpool. However, looking at his impressive track record as a young coach, he’s a really good option for the Reds.
With his contract set to end at Bologna this summer, rumours are beginning to gather pace that the former Italy international will be in line for a big job.
His situation is not dissimilar to that of Alonso at Leverkusen. So, it makes sense that Motta was asked to give his views on the Spaniard’s decision to remain where he is for now.
Now, we’re not completely sure if he was asked directly about Liverpool as well. But in quotes from his pre-Salernitana press conference via journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Motta certainly mentioned the Reds – and Klopp – in his answer.
“Me, like Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen? He made a respectable choice and I wish him the best,” said the manager. “Klopp is doing very well at Liverpool, but I’m here and I’m thinking about the next game against Salernitana. We want to give more joy and joy to our people.”
READ MORE: Thiago Motta not the only Serie A manager being considered by Liverpool
Who is Thiago Motta
With all the clamour over Alonso, it has been a little overlooked that there has been another two-time Champions League winner of a similar age excelling, too.
Like Alonso, Motta won Europe’s premier competition with two different clubs during his playing career. One year younger than the former Liverpool midfielder, he even missed the final of his second Champions League win through suspension, just like Xabi.
So, perhaps it’s no surprise that Motta, another deep-thinking midfielder, should go on to be a promising coach, too.
Unlike Alonso, the Brazilian-born manager will not win a trophy this season. But if he can guide Bologna into the Serie A top four, it will arguably be equally impressive. Don’t rule this one out, Reds.