Liverpool will be working hard behind the scenes to find the right man to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp.
It would be interesting to know if the powers that be are asking the German for any input because it’s going to be very hard to replace him.
What road do Liverpool go down? Do they hunt for a young modern-day manager? Or do they bring an old-school vibe to proceedings?
The name of Xabi Alonso has been thrown about quite a lot and it seems as though the likes of Jamie Carragher want him on board.
But Bayern Munich are also knocking, so it isn’t going to be easy luring him back to Anfield.
Adebayo Akinfenwa was thrown the name of a certain Jose Mourinho and he batted it off straight away, as he told talkSPORT.
The former striker, who is a Liverpool fan, made it clear that the former Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester United boss, who was sacked by all those clubs, is ‘box-office’, but doesn’t suit what is cooking at Anfield.
Mourinho’s most recent job was in Rome where he helped Roma win their first-ever European trophy in 2022, but was sacked in January.
Given that he is a free agent, and is looking to get straight back in, then it isn’t a surprise that he is being talked about, in regards to making a return to the Premier League.
Jose Mourinho at Liverpool
On Jose Mourinho at Liverpool: “No,” responded Akinfenwa. “I think he is box-office.
“I just think what Liverpool are doing and what Klopp has left, in the sense of the future and bringing youngsters, I think Mourinho with the old guard likes a ready-made team. That’s the only reason why.
“Listen, I love the character. I just don’t think he is a Liverpool fit – I don’t know if it’s a nostalgia thing with Mourinho. Look, we are going to lose a character in Klopp. You want to have as many characters and many individuals that bring light to the game.”
Next Liverpool manager
You feel the dream is Alonso, but sometimes, you don’t always get what you wish for.
The next man in the dugout needs to have a big character and the ability to absorb so much pressure.
This is more about who he is replacing and how it’s going to be difficult to replicate the magic Klopp brought back to Merseyside.
Not only that, the new manager is also going to hope key players, such as Real Madrid target Trent Alexander-Arnold and Saudi target Mohamed Salah, stay put.