Klopp heaps praise on De Zerbi following Brighton exit hint

Cameron Smith

• 31 Mar 2024 19:53 BST
• 3 min read

Jurgen Klopp has praised Roberto De Zerbi for the “incredible job” he has done at Brighton & Hove Albion amid rumours linking the Italian with a summer switch to Anfield.

Klopp is due to step down as Liverpool manager once the 2023-24 season concludes and De Zerbi is one of the leading contenders to replace him.

Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim is also a candidate to take over the reins at Anfield, but dream target Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen next season, a decision that Joe Cole believes is a mistake.

READ MORE: How Liverpool would line up under Ruben Amorim

Liverpool required a 65th minute winner from Mohamed Salah to edge to a narrow 2-1 victory over Brighton and after the game, Klopp and De Zerbi shared a warm embrace.

During his post-match press conference, the Liverpool boss was asked what words were exchanged and he revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live: “I told De Zerbi to keep turning the football world upside down.

“I will watch it from some distance. I respect so much what he's doing.”

Klopp then added: “It is incredible what he has done. Brighton have lost Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, they have lots of injuries, but he puts a team like that together. An incredible job.”

READ MORE: De Zerbi reveals Brighton contract problem as Barcelona and Liverpool circle

What has Roberto De Zerbi said?

Klopp’s comments come after De Zerbi dropped a cryptic message hinting towards a possible Brighton exit if the Seagulls are unable to match his demands.

“I am lucky because I have a clear idea and in my life I decide always what I want to do," he said.

“I will speak with Tony [Bloom] and the club and we will find a solution together without problems but I know my future and what I want.

“I want to compete and keep my ambition high because my life is football. I want to wake up happy every morning and fight to reach the maximum."