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Such, then, is the riddle of Liverpool's next managerial appointment.

The list of names that have been linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp ever since the German made public his intention to quit at the end of the season has never been the lengthiest.

And after Xabi Alonso's decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen was following on Friday by Julian Nagelsmann extending his stay as Germany national team manager, the number of realistic candidates has become even smaller.

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Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon has now emerged as the clear front-runner, although should Liverpool pursue the Portuguese then they are likely to face competition, Barcelona the most prominent, for one of the most highly-rated young managers in Europe.

Arne Slot of Feyenoord has emerged as the latest name to be linked with the Reds.

However, that there are so few prospective names being associated with one of football's most coveted managerial roles says much about the unspoken concern among anyone considering putting themselves forward for the position.

How can anyone follow Jurgen Klopp?

Certainly, succeeding a manager who has been in charge for almost nine years - only Simon Weaver of Harrogate Town has currently served longer at a team in the English professional game, although 11 of his 15 years were in non-league - has obvious disadvantages, particularly one who has become so ingrained in the psyche of the club and shaped its ethos.

In that respect, Klopp is a rarity and nobody expects whoever replaces him to be anything like the same.

There are two obvious examples in the Premier League of how difficult it can be, given how Manchester United have fared since Sir Alex Ferguson departed 11 years ago - they haven't come close to winning the title since - and how long it has taken Arsenal to become genuine title challengers following Arsene Wenger's exit in 2018.

Then there's the success Klopp has enjoyed at Liverpool, ending a 30-year wait for the title, lifting a sixth European Cup, making the Reds champions of the world for the first time, and picking up a couple of League Cups, an FA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup along the way.

Factor in the near misses - runners-up in two title challenges, three European finals and a domestic showpiece - and it's clear Klopp has ensured Liverpool are now established back among the conversation of the very top tier of clubs.

There could, of course, be another championship to come, with the Reds, ahead of schedule given the midfield overhaul of last summer, still contending strongly against champions Manchester City and Arsenal despite a brief dip in form.

And with the Reds closing on a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football, there is a straightforward path for improvement in that regard next season.

It will also help the new manager to take over a squad with a balance of up-and-coming youngsters, long-term established players and those who now have their feet under the table after a season or two at Anfield.

Not since Liverpool broke with tradition and named Kenny Dalglish as player-manager in 1985 to replace Joe Fagan has a new Reds boss taken over a team that didn't require a major overhaul.

Replacing Klopp won't be easy.
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