Topics: Liverpool, Roy Keane, Jurgen Klopp, Football, Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton And Hove Albion
Roy Keane has explained why he has doubts over one of the names tipped to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
After nearly nine years at the helm, it was confirmed in January that Klopp will depart Anfield when the 23/24 season draws to a close.
Since then, former Liverpool player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has been the fans’ favourite to take over.
However, it was announced on Friday that the Spaniard will be staying with Leverkusen for at least one more season.
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After this blow, the likes of Ruben Amorim, Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann are the rumoured names on Liverpool’s shortlist.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s vital 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, former Manchester United captain Keane explains his doubts about De Zerbi moving to Anfield.
He said on Sky Sports: “Every manager is different, he's his own personality and that's a big plus to him.
“Sometimes when a manager is asked these questions you hope he makes a commitment to the club, I suppose there's a bit of honesty there and he's not sure where his future is.”
Keane continued: “It's a concern for Brighton over the next few months and years with what they're planning. I look at his CV and there's question marks if he is ready for that step yet, for Liverpool I've got my doubts.”
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards added: “His teams play a lovely brand of football but I still have doubts about what he's won to take that job.
“I think Roy makes a good point. When I watched his team Sassuolo in Serie A, they were good in terms of the way he wants to set up.”
He continued: “He's done excellent at Brighton but again, it's that question mark of can he do it with top players? You have managers like [Roberto] Mancini, when he come in [to Man City] he delivered straight away. [Manuel] Pellegrini, the nicest guy, Mark Hughes, all different kinds of managers that find it hard to deal with elite players.
“You can play the football you want to play, try and install the tactics you want to install, but they have to buy in and believe in what he is doing. Has he got the ability? I think he has, it's just whether he can make the connection with the elite players.”
