Fowler convinced Klopp has found the man to replace him as Liverpool boss
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler believes Roberto de Zerbi is the perfect man to replace Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield dugout.
Klopp arrived at the Reds in 2015 and has masterminded a stunning era of success, winning the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup. He is secure in his post and signed a contract extension to keep him at Anfield until 2026 last April.
But if and when the German decides to leave Anfield, Fowler has insisted Liverpool have a ready-made replacement in De Zerbi. The Italian has impressed since taking over at Brighton last year, leading them to a sixth-place finish.
His work at the Amex Stadium has convinced Fowler he should replace Klopp. And the former striker believes that the German has also marked De Zerbi out as his perfect replacement when he decides to go.
"So it will have to be a younger manager with a good track record who can step up to the next level. I think Unai Emery has that, and he’s doing a decent job at Villa after winning several European trophies," Fowler told Mirror Football, when assessing potential replacements for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.
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"But the blindingly obvious one is Roberto De Zerbi. Many thought it would all collapse this season at Brighton after they lost their two biggest players, and virtually his entire midfield. But if anything, he’s consolidated the club.
"They are balancing the Europa League and Premier League well, and are in a good position to move forward in both. I know how highly rated he is in football, so a move for him at some point is likely… though would he take it?
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Robbie Fowler has picked out Roberto De Zerbi as the perfect replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool (Getty Images)"Looking at him, he’s so rated by Jurgen Klopp, that I wouldn’t be surprised if the Liverpool manager saw him as a natural successor. And the endorsement of Klopp would be powerful."
Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Brighton earlier this season, with the Seagulls again riding high in the Premier League table. After that game, Klopp revealed he has been impressed with De Zerbi's work.
“I have to say I could not respect more what he is doing. I’m a real supporter of it, I’m a football lover and if someone comes in with the impact he has on football, that shouldn’t be underestimated," he said.
“I think unfortunately yes (the result was fair. 1-0, (the goal was) served on a plate. Then a similar situation, we forced them to make similar mistakes around our goals. 2-1 up is a good result for half-time here, it’s a really good team and it’s difficult to defend them.
“We wanted to do high pressing, it was the right thing to do. But in the same moment it caused the issue that they play out from time to time, we don’t win the ball and then the pitch is really big. They do that well.
“The second half we should have scored for 3-1, one or two really good opportunities. But because we don’t score there, we keep the game open. It was intense for both teams. I think it’s the right result in the end.”
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