Liverpool have discussed replacing Jurgen Klopp with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi as he scored well on their initial data research, according to The Athletic.
However, his outspoken nature, and confrontational approach to player recruitment, could count against him.
Liverpool are looking elsewhere after Xabi Alonso announced that he will be remaining at Bayer Leverkusen beyond this season, and the Seagulls boss is one of the names on their list.
De Zerbi led Brighton to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last term in what was his debut campaign as a manager in the English top-flight, and while his side are now struggling to replicate that form, losing Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo last summer was always going to take a toll on their performances on the pitch.
Klopp admires the Italian, showering praise on him ahead of their game at Anfield tomorrow, but it appears Liverpool have reservations about appointing him.
Sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group’s CEO of Football Michael Edwards are unlikely to appoint a manager who would regularly confront their recruitment strategy.
The 44-year-old was banned from the touchline for one game by the FA earlier this month after he was shown a red card following his side’s home defeat by Fulham last month for confronting referee Darren England in the tunnel.
He also claimed back in November that he dislikes 80% of English referees after a 1-1 draw against Sheffield United where Mahmoud Dahoud was sent off by referee John Brook.
Klopp prevented De Zerbi from getting sent off in October as the German stopped him from confronting the fourth official while already on a yellow card, and he has been sent off for clashing with coaches and officials on a few occasions.
Liverpool have not been impressed with those incidents from the look of things, and they could play a huge role in their decision to snub him for the job.
