Liverpool take a break from their Premier League commitments this weekend as they continue their hunt for silverware.
The Reds take on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Should they win, it could signal the start of what might be a memorable final season under the stewardship of Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking of the German, the Liverpool hierarchy are still on the hunt for his long-term replacement. A number of names have already been linked with moves to Anfield.
The main contenders appear to be former midfielder Xabi Alonso and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi. Take a look at the latest news on the Reds’ managerial hunt and build-up to the Carabao Cup final:
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Liverpool’s likely XI to face Chelsea in Carabao Cup final as injuries mount up
Bayern to quadruple Alonso wages
While Liverpool are pursuing the signature of Alonso, Bayern Munich might have plenty to say. The German side are set to replace Thomas Tuchel this summer, with Alonso their prime target.
The Bundesliga giants have a plan to try and tempt him to the Allianz Arena. According to reports, they are ready to hand him an eye-watering £20million-a-year salary.
That would represent a four-time increase on the current wage that he is banking with fellow German side Bayer Leverkusen. Should he agree to that then Alonso would become the highest paid boss in Bundesliga history. As it stands, Klopp currently earns around £15m per year with Liverpool so it remains to be seen whether they would be willing to match Bayern’s package.
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Klopp quit theory comes to light
On the topic of Klopp’s exit, his long-term assistant Pep Ljinders has hinted that he wanted to leave as early as the summer. Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, he said: “Nobody will replace Jurgen.
“I was clear, to be honest, when we had the talk a long time ago – for me it was clear and it made it easier for me. We knew in the summer, ‘OK we are going towards the end of this project’. It’s too much about me…we play in a final in 48 hours. I understand, so I think I have given answers in interviews.”
Reds have Carabao Cup final disadvantage
Back to their job on the pitch, it appears that Liverpool are already at a disadvantage against Chelsea at Wembley. The Blues technically have ‘home’ advantage during the game.
Rules state that whichever side is first in alphabetical order is designated as the ‘home’ team. That means that Chelsea will enjoy the delights of the home dressing room at Wembley.
Despite that, Mauricio Pochettino believes his side are less fancied to win. He said: “For me, Liverpool are favourites because they have the experience to compete like a team and be involved in different finals.”
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