As the realization settles in that Jurgen Klopp will no longer be the Liverpool manager following this season, it's natural to ask, what now?
How do you follow one of the best managerial jobs in a very long time? Klopp restored the Reds to their former glory and did it in a way that everyone could be proud of. He'll be a tough act to follow but I have some names to think about as his replacement. Some will be obvious, but maybe not all.
Xabi Alonso - Bayer Leverkusen
We're going to start with the obvious one here. Alonso has been doing magical work at Bayer Leverkusen this season as he has them playing an exciting brand of football and atop the Bundesliga.
This feels like the most natural transition as Alonso also deploys his own version of "Gegenpressing" that would make the shift easier for all parties involved. Having won silverware here as a player, he also understands what winning means to this club.
He's the odds-on favorite right now, but Leverkusen will do everything to keep him and you cannot forget about the threat of Real Madrid.
Roberto De Zerbi - Brighton
Another manager that utilizes an attractive and attack-minded system. De Zerbi has done wonderful things at Brighton with an extremely limited budget. His ability to work within his means and develop youth talent will be an attractive trait as well.
At 44, he still has plenty of years left ahead of him and he could be a long-term solution as well as maintaining the standard in place right now.
I would not be against this hire at all the longer I think about it.
Julian Nagelsmann - German National Team
Could Liverpool lure the talented German away from the national team? It would be a hard task but the similarities with Klopp arriving in 2015 are there. He wants to put out an aggressive side when he has his way and encourages his players to be themselves.
The current Liverpool squad would respond well to his energy and passion as that is all they have known for the last 9 years. I don't see this as likely but he is a name they should at least ask about.
Ruben Amorim - Sporting Lisbon
This one is a Darkhorse name to consider as he has not been at the highest level for a long time. However, Amorim has led Lisbon to the Portuguese league title in addition to 3 further domestic cup triumphs.
This season he has them at the top of the Liga Portugal standings once again with only 2 defeats in 18 matches.
He likes his side to build up from the back with pace which is something this Liverpool side is more than comfortable doing themselves. He also wants all his players to press and hound their opponents into mistakes...sound familiar?
It'd be a big step up in his career, but he is a name worth keeping your eye on for now.