Is De Zerbi a Realistic Choice as the Next LFC Manager?
Ahead of his latest trip to Anfield, Roberto De Zerbi’s chances of becoming the next Liverpool FC (LFC) manager are being questioned. Despite leading Brighton to an impressive eighth place in the Premier League this season, De Zerbi has faced criticism for perceived underperformance. Last season, he set a high standard by taking the Seagulls to sixth place, which has had consequences for the team’s performance this time around. The sales of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, who garnered interest from Liverpool with a £110 million bid, have weakened the squad. Additionally, Brighton’s first-ever European campaign has put strain on a small squad. However, despite these challenges, De Zerbi’s team has continued to deliver impressive performances.
The ‘Brighton effect’ is evident in the team’s play. Brighton ranks fifth among all teams in Europe’s top five leagues for possession (62.3%) and fourth for passes completed per 90 minutes (603.8). These figures demonstrate their ability to dominate the ball, which is exceptional considering their resources. They also perform well in terms of shots on target per 90 minutes (5.71) and shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (27.14). These statistics indicate that De Zerbi is extracting more from his squad than expected based on their wage bill. It comes as no surprise that Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes is an admirer of De Zerbi’s work, and Bayern Munich is also showing interest ahead of a managerial change this summer.
However, it’s important to consider Graham Potter’s experience at Brighton. Potter also received praise for his work but struggled during his stint at Chelsea. This raises questions about whether De Zerbi’s success is influenced by an intangible “Brighton effect” resulting from their data-led recruitment process. It’s also uncertain whether occasional implosions, such as defeats against Aston Villa, Luton, and Everton, are indicative of a systemic flaw that cannot be fixed with better personnel. Moreover, it is difficult to judge whether De Zerbi possesses the elusive “winning trait” that top managers possess.
While De Zerbi’s style of football may align with a club like Liverpool that aims to win every week, it remains unclear if his teams can secure last-minute victories after lackluster performances or triumph in crucial cup ties when all seems lost. These uncertainties explain why Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were considered strong contenders for the LFC managerial position. Alonso, currently at Leverkusen, is on track to win the Bundesliga title this season and has opportunities to showcase his cup prowess in both the DFB-Pokal and Europa League. Amorim has already won the Primeira Liga title and multiple Portuguese League Cups with Braga and Sporting. They seemed like safer choices to continue the success under Klopp at Liverpool.
Nevertheless, De Zerbi has a chance to strengthen his case when he faces Klopp at Anfield on Sunday. This high-profile match provides an excellent stage for De Zerbi to prove his abilities and potentially enhance his chances of landing the LFC managerial role. Only time will tell if he is a realistic choice for the job.