A supercomputer has predicted that three Champions League winning managers will fight it out to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss.
Last month Klopp made the shock announcement that he will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.
The German coach took charge at Anfield in 2015, and in the nine years since has guided the club to Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup glory.
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However, despite forming a close bond with Liverpool fans and the city, the 56-year-old admitted that he is becoming tired and needs some time away from football management.
The announcement of Klopp's departure sparked plenty of rumours about who could replace him at Anfield, with some huge names linked with the job.
Now, a supercomputer has identified the five most suitable candidates, and three of them have already won the Champions League.
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TransferRoom have produced a tool called CoachFinder, that helps clubs identify the best coaching candidates. It gives clubs access to 'comprehensive analytics that show a head coach's impact both on and off the pitch, including on team rating, expected goals and squad value'.
The platform regards Klopp as the second best head coach in the game behind Pep Guardiola, so only the best will do.
Using a Suitability Rating, the top candidates have been identified based on squad management, playing style compatibility, and experience.
TransferRoom has give Luciano Spalletti a suitability rating of 93%, marking him out as the ideal candidate. The Italian is currently the head coach of the Italian national team, and last season guided Napoli to a first Serie A title in 33 years.
Next on the list is former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane with a score of 92%. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, his three consecutive Champions League triumphs with Los Blancos will surely earn him a place in the managerial hall of fame as well.
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Current Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique led Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2015, and also has a score of 92%.
Julen Lopetegui has a suitability rating of 89%, despite being out of a job since leaving Wolves last August.
Four-time Champions League winning manager Carlo Ancelotti rounds out the top five with a score of 88%.
A notable absentee from the list is former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. He is among the favourites to replace Klopp, having turned Bayer Leverkusen into Bundesliga title challengers this season.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Premier League