Liverpool fans have called for a shock new manager to be considered as a possible replacement for Jurgen Klopp this summer.
The search for the German’s successor is well underway after he announced he would end his nine-year spell at Anfield at the start of the year – with the club’s top target Xabi Alonso already turning them down to stay with Bayer Leverkusen after leading them to their first ever Bundesliga title.
Since then, the club have been linked with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim, who Mail Sport have reported is a leading contender to take the post.
However, Amorim has repeatedly played down suggestions he is in line to take the high-profile Premier League job on Merseyside and angrily hit back at speculation that he had already had an interview.
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has also been a name mentioned as a possible replacement for Klopp, but some fans have said the club should ‘discard’ the idea of appointing either of them.
Instead, supporters suggested Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as a top candidate, calling him a ‘winner’ and ‘an elite coach’ after his superb season leading the Midlands outfit to fourth in the table.
When the Spaniard took over, the club were languishing in 14th place and battling relegation. He has now led them to the Europa League quarter-finals and within touching distance of qualifying for the Champions League next term after leading the team to a huge 2-0 win over Arsenal.
Thanks to late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, the Villans are now on 63 points, three clear of nearest rivals Tottenham, with five games remaining to hang onto that coveted fourth spot.
Emery is a renowned trophy winner, having won the Europa Leage three times with Sevilla and once with Villarreal. He also won the French cup and league treble with PSG and reached the Europa League final with Arsenal.
One said: ‘@LFC please discard the idea of Ruben Amorim or De Zerbi. Go for Unai Emery. He’s an elite coach. Very ruthless. And also younger than Klopp.’
Another wrote: ‘Why aren’t we considering Unai Emery as klopp successor? This guy is a winner and that’s what we need at LFC.’
A third claimed Emery was ‘one of the best options out there’ and said the Spaniard was not given long enough during a tough spell at Arsenal.
‘If I was [owners] FSG, I’d be seriously considering Unai Emery as an option to succeed Jurgen Klopp.
‘Could be one of the best options out there. Don’t think he got the time he deserved at Arsenal and has a very strong CV.’
One fan said: ‘Not gonna lie, I would look at Emery to replace Klopp. If we can’t get Alonso or Almiron.’
