German football coach Jurgen Klopp has set Premier League fans' hearts racing by admitting he would be interested in working in England.
Sky Sports reported that Klopp, who took a sabbatical at the end of last season after seven years in charge of Borussia Dortmund, has told sources he is keen to work in the Premier League.
And there is one high-profile job which may shortly become vacant: Liverpool. Current manager Brendan Rodgers is under increasing pressure after a run of six league matches without a victory. On Wednesday, his side scraped through a cup tie with League Two minnows Carlisle United on penalties, following a 1-1 draw, leading some fans to call for his exit.
But would Klopp be a dead-cert for the post at Anfield if it becomes available? Newsweek runs the rule over the German and his competition.
Jurgen Klopp
Odds: 10/11
The bespectacled, bearded German was very successful at Dortmund prior to his unexpected sabbatical. Taking over in 2008, Klopp brought Dortmund back from the Bundesliga wilderness. He won back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012, the club's first championships since 2002. He also led them to the Champions League final in 2013, where they were narrowly squeezed out by German juggernauts Bayern Munich. With a reputation for his attacking style and known as a colorful character, Klopp would no doubt be welcomed by Liverpool fans—the Reds have scored just four league goals this season, less than Munich striker Robert Lewandowski managed in one night.
Carlo Ancelotti
Odds: 7/4
The former Real Madrid manager has a pedigree which would see him welcomed in by most clubs: he is one of only two managers to have won the European Cup three times—the other being former Liverpool boss Bob Paisley, who was in charge between 1974 and 1983. Ancelotti has worked with some of the biggest clubs around, including current Premier League champions Chelsea. The only question is whether a manager of his caliber would consider working for a club that hasn't won a domestic league for 25 years.
Frank de Boer
Odds: 10/1
Currently in charge of Dutch giants Ajax, de Boer claims to have turned down the Liverpool post in 2012 before Rodgers was eventually appointed. The Dutchman has relatively limited managerial experience and has neither managed nor played in England. However, he did win four Dutch consecutive league championships with Ajax between 2010 and 2014, suggesting that while he might not be an obvious choice for the job, he's certainly competent.
Slaven Bilic
Odds: 40/1
Bilic has managed in Croatia, Russia and Turkey, and took charge of the Croatian national team between 2006 and 2012. He has been managing West Ham since the start of this season and has overseen a remarkable string of results against the big teams—the Hammers have beaten Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool on their travels so far. With West Ham moving into the Olympic Stadium next season, it would seem a strange time to leave, but the lure of Liverpool's history could prove tempting.
Steven Gerrard
Odds: 33/1
The former Liverpool captain lives and breathes the club. Gerrard spent 17 years at his hometown club, with the zenith of his achievements being an incredible victory on penalties in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final. He moved to U.S. side LA Galaxy last summer but as he has no managerial experience, he is most definitely a long-shot for the job, even though he would no doubt be the fans' favorite.
All odds are courtesy of Paddy Power and were correct at the time of publication.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Conor is a staff writer for Newsweek covering Africa, with a focus on Nigeria, security and conflict.
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