Danny Murphy picks out his ‘PERFECT’ Jurgen Klopp successor once he decides to leave Liverpool… with pundit’s No 1 choice the ‘real deal’
- Jurgen Klopp has been linked with the vacant job in Germany in recent days
- However, the 56-year-old manager’s agent has thrown cold water on any links
- Listen to the latest episode of the Mail Sport podcast It all starts
Danny Murphy admitted he doesn’t have to worry about Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool as he has already identified who he believes is the ‘perfect’ replacement.
The 56-year-old boss has been linked with the vacant German national team role after Hansi Flick was sacked following a 4-1 defeat to Japan.
Although the Reds manager’s agent has been quick to put some distance between his client and the rumours, this has naturally led to speculation about who could take charge at Anfield.
Klopp’s spell in charge was one of the most successful in the iconic club’s illustrious history, ending the 30-year wait for an English top-flight title and adding a sixth Champions League.
Yet Murphy has nevertheless lined up who he believes could step in if the worst were to happen for the Liverpool fans and Klopp chose to walk away.
Danny Murphy has identified who he believes should replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Klopp has been linked with the vacant Germany job lately, although his agent has thrown cold water on the reports
“I have the answer, so I’m not worried about Klopp leaving,” Murphy said on talkSPORT. ‘I think De Zerbi is perfect. He will then be ready (to take over).
‘I think he’s playing great football, he looks like a strong character, he’s learning his trade in this competition at Brighton and doing a great job. I don’t see a better candidate.
‘Things change very quickly in football. So next year the flavor of the month could be someone else,” said the former England international. ‘But I think he (De Zerbi) is the real deal.
‘There’s something about him. After meeting him too, (I can say) he has real gravitas. A real presence. And I like the way his teams play.
‘But I don’t see Klopp going anytime soon. He has a new influx of players and he seems excited about Liverpool’s start (to the season) and the promising start of some new signings.”
De Zerbi has received plenty of plaudits for his work since taking over from Graham Potter – after being touted as perhaps struggling to fill those big boots on the south coast.
The Italian, who arrived after the start of last season, inspired the Seagulls to reach European qualification for the first time in their history.
In reaching the Europa League – where they faced Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens – Brighton recorded memorable victories over Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Interestingly, De Zerbi also has a brilliant record against Klopp. He won twice and drew once against the German manager in three matches, all of which took place last season.
Murphy believes De Zerbi is the real deal and would be the ideal successor to Klopp at Anfield
The Italian was the mastermind behind Brighton’s historic Europa League qualification, which took over midway through last season