Berbatov disagrees with ex-Liverpool star over next manager despite warning

23 February 2024 , 02:00

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Dimitar Berbatov believes Thomas Tuchel would be a good fit for Liverpool (Image: Sky Sports)

Dimitar Berbatov believes Thomas Tuchel would be a good option to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool when the Anfield favourite leaves in the summer.

Klopp, 56, sent shockwaves through the Premier League last month when he announced that this season would be his final act as Liverpool manager, with the German planning to take a year-long sabbatical to recharge.

A host of names have since been touted as Liverpool's next manager, but Xabi Alonso has quickly emerged as the red-hot favourite. The Spaniard, 42, is an Anfield favourite from his playing days and has excelled in his first senior management role with Bayer Leverkusen, who are eight points ahead of Tuchel's Bayern Munich side in the German title race.

It was formally announced earlier this week that Tuchel and Bayern would be parting ways at the end of the season. And while Berbatov admits Alonso is probably the best option for Liverpool, he views Tuchel as a strong alternative.

Speaking to BetFair, Berbatov said: "The name Thomas Tuchel can carry you and help you find new jobs. He's a Champions League winner after all. I don't think Tuchel will be without a job for long. Where next? That's the question. We'll find out next season probably.‌

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"I still think the first-choice manager for Liverpool is Xabi Alonso, especially if he wins the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. That would be a great success. If that happens, Alonso will likely take the next step to Liverpool. Some may say it's a bit too early, and maybe he'll have one more season with Leverkusen and he'll try to go for European glory with them to prove to everyone the Bundesliga win wasn't a fluke.

‌"However, I think Liverpool should continue to chase Alonso. If they can't get him then there are other coaches on the market like Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel would be the next contender for me to replace Klopp if they miss out on Alonso.

Join the debate! Who do you want to see as Liverpool's next manager? Let us know here.

Tuchel will leave Bayern Munich in the summer (Getty Images)

"Sometimes clubs will try to play it safe based on the manager's reputation or sometimes clubs take a chance and go for a not so big name, but at Liverpool, they have to go for success, and I think Tuchel or Alonso would be a good fit."

While Berbatov may believe Tuchel would be good fit for Liverpool, former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy is not of the same opinion. When he was asked if Tuchel should be on Liverpool's radar, he bluntly told talkSPORT: "No. He doesn’t fit them. He’s too divisive. He’s not a Liverpool manager. Not for me."

If Liverpool do decide Alonso is their man than, ironically, they look set for a battle with Bayern Munich for his services with reports outlining that the German champions have identified the former midfield maestro as their top managerial target.

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Dan Marsh