The potential successor to Klopp? Surprisingly, the data points to a top contender…

As the esteemed manager of Liverpool, Klopp, endeavors to secure the club’s first trophy of the season in the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, ongoing speculation persists regarding his potential successor.

Klopp boasts a remarkable record during his tenure at Anfield, having claimed all major trophies, with Liverpool currently leading the Premier League standings and remaining contenders in both the FA Cup and Europa League.

Carteret Analytics, renowned for providing comprehensive assessments of managers to various football leagues, has evaluated a range of potential candidates, including Klopp, to ascertain who might excel in the role.

The company asserts, “Not only has Klopp achieved significant success over the past six seasons in terms of results, but his individual metrics also demonstrate an exceptionally high level of ‘football intelligence’.” For instance, his strategic intelligence and tactical command ratings are particularly impressive.

For those unfamiliar with strategic intelligence and tactical command, these metrics refer to a manager’s ability to create opportunities for their team and effectively utilize possession, respectively.

Ruben Amorim, the 39-year-old manager of Sporting Lisbon, has emerged as a surprising favorite candidate for the Liverpool job, according to Carteret’s analysis. Despite his experience in a less competitive league, Amorim’s strategic intelligence, tactical command, success-adjusted attacking coefficient, and shot creation ratio all surpass Klopp’s metrics.

Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich manager who currently serves as the interim manager for Germany, is another contender. Known for his defensive approach and methodical style of play, Nagelsmann receives high praise for his strategic intelligence, although concerns are raised regarding his interpersonal skills and potential challenges if results falter.

Thomas Tuchel, the current Bayern Munich boss, stands out for his ability to secure victories at a high level, although Carteret notes similarities between his defensive style and that of Nagelsmann, which could pose difficulties for Liverpool’s attacking players and fans.

Ange Postecoglou, currently with Tottenham, shares some similarities with Klopp in terms of strategic intelligence and tactical command but falls short in perceived attacking prowess and overall success.

Finally, while Maurizio De Zerbi’s brief success at Shakhtar Donetsk is acknowledged, his overall track record suggests he may not be the ideal candidate to lead Liverpool to Premier League glory, particularly considering his metrics do not match those of Klopp.

In conclusion, while some candidates may possess promising qualities, appointing a manager with limited experience or whose style significantly differs from Klopp’s could pose a considerable risk for Liverpool, according to Carteret’s analysis.