Pep Guardiola could block Liverpool from recruiting their preferred Jurgen Klopp replacement.
Last Friday Klopp stunned the football world by announcing he is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
The German has been a transformative figure on Merseyside, having led them to a Champions League triumph in 2019 and the club’s first Premier League title in 30 years the following season.
The bookies favourites to replace Klopp are former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is currently enjoying an unbeaten season at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, while Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi has also been touted.
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Should Liverpool pursue the latter option, they could see their approach stifled by City boss Guardiola.
This is because the Spaniard has allegedly recommended that Barcelona consider De Zerbi for their vacant managerial position.
According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Guardiola has expressed his support for De Zerbi as Barcelona boss, believing that the Italian fits perfectly with the Catalan club’s philosophy.
The City boss allegedly believes De Zerbi represents the “perfect combination” of an expansive, offensive playing style and an ability to develop youth.
Barcelona are on the hunt for a new manager after current boss, Xavi Hernandez, announced he is also set to depart the club at the end of the current campaign.
The Barcelona icon announced the decision after the club lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal on Saturday, conceding twice in added time at the Nou Camp.
"I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barca," Xavi said.
"I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer [Barcelona fan], I cannot allow the current situation.
"And mostly as a cul, thinking about the club and about the players as well, I think they will feel more free, they will be calmer. I think we play with too much tension. It's for the benefit of the board, of the club. As a cul, as a club person, I believe the best thing is to leave on June 30. Of course, I will give all I have in the four months that are left.
"To explain a bit better, the feeling of being Barca coach is unpleasant, it's cruel. You feel that often there is a lack of respect, you feel they do not value your work, and this wears you down terribly.
"It affects your mental health. I am a positive person but the energy goes down to a point where you think there is no sense."
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Liverpool, Barcelona, Roberto De Zerbi, Xavi, Jurgen Klopp, Football
Chris Byfield