Liverpool set for big hint over next manager as verdict given on potential target

The end of the international break equals a return to Premier League action for Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp's side will face Brighton at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, possessing the opportunity to move back to the top of the table ahead of Manchester City hosting Arsenal later that day.

Liverpool know all too well the threats the Seagulls will pose this weekend, having won only one of their last six meetings with Roberto De Zerbi's side.

Brighton's Italian coach is of course one of the names to have been mentioned as a possible replacement for Klopp this summer, but is this a move that makes sense for the Reds?

Offering their views on this topic, four Liverpool supporters have shared their views as part of a weekly ECHO fan column.

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Rhys Buchanan (Aigburth, @Rhys_Buchanan) - De Zerbi is the next best thing after Alonso

I much prefer talking about the football and the players rather than the men in suits behind the scenes, but you simply can't ignore the excitement behind Michael Edwards and the moves he's already been making since returning to the club.

After bringing in Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as sporting director, the next big move on everyone's lips is who will be sitting in the Anfield dugout come August. At this stage, we all know the likely shortlist of candidates, with a big name on everyone's lips being Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi.

I love the exciting and forward-thinking brand of football he's played since coming into the Premier League. That being said, you can't ignore the romance behind bringing Alonso in, especially when you look at all the legends he's played under and his overall knowledge of the game. For me, De Zerbi is the second choice. His free-flowing style would be an organic next step and, of course, we know he's been able to play some savvy football against the Reds at times. Hopefully that's not the case at Anfield on Sunday!

Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5) - Graham Potter's Chelsea reign should serve as warning

Liverpool face a big task against Brighton this weekend as they seek to barge their way back to the top of the table.

As the sun sets on Jurgen Klopp’s time at the club, fans are keen to know what the new day will bring. Xabi Alonso arriving at Anfield may be on the distant horizon, but it is far from clear that this deal will be done.

Klopp has brought such joy and cheer to the club, achieving so much, and providing enjoyable football that fans will cherish for many years. The task, therefore, for the new manager is daunting.

If Alonso is not appointed, who will we turn to? Roberto De Zerbi is an astute coach, a passionate coach, and someone who likes attacking, free-flowing football. Would the Liverpool job be too big for him? Has he achieved excellence? We have seen so many good coaches be swallowed up by the pressure of managing an elite club (Graham Potter being one notable example).

Our focus now needs to be on Klopp and the team, and we can leave the fate of the club moving forward in hopefully capable hands.

David Shams (Beijing, @ShamsWriter) - De Zerbi is no Klopp - but who is?

Anyone following in Klopp’s footsteps is bound to face an uphill battle. It’s an unenviable challenge. One of the three frontrunners to do just that will be in the visiting dugout on the weekend: Brighton manager, Roberto De Zerbi. He’s the only one with Premier League experience.

It’s a pipe dream to expect anyone to be a carbon copy of Klopp. No one can be. But De Zerbi’s CV is impressive. Brighton are no longer also-rans, they’ve caused us problems and can run with any team in the league.

While Klopp tends to play a higher-paced brand of football, the Brighton manager prefers to entice opponents out of position by coaxing them into over-committing and leaving space in behind. This may work on the south coast but there's no guarantee it will on Merseyside, especially with this crop of players.

The key to success for whoever arrives, however, will require sorting out how to best be flexible with their system. If they get that wrong, the transition could be a bumpy ride for everyone. That doesn’t mean I think De Zerbi isn’t quality, just that he may not be the answer to what Liverpool need.

James Noble (Worcestershire, @james_noble98) - De Zerbi represents a risky appointment

Back comes the Premier League and here comes the run-in. It’s another exciting time.

Brighton & Hove Albion’s visit on a significant-looking Sunday, swiftly followed by Sheffield United’s on Thursday, now zooms into view.

Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi has been touted as a potential successor to Jürgen Klopp this summer. Within 18 months on the south coast, the Italian has had a notable impact, arguably, on football itself.

The way his side bait the press and play through it can be dizzyingly effective, while his expressive nature and conviction are also strong characteristics. He’s not my first choice – his approach looks unlikely to merge as naturally as some others. Football history, though, is full of examples of convergence – and he would certainly be an exciting appointment.

Anyway, the current focus is overcoming his Brighton team. They’ve been both pulsating and porous this term, a context that we are capable of thriving upon.

Sunday’s a day that has the potential to be one of considerable permutations, of course, given Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City later that afternoon. Clearly, doing our bit right is the key element for us to control. Back on the bike. Up through the gears.