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Challenges of Succession Planning at Premier League Clubs
Michael Edwards will be observing the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand as he occupies his seat in the Old Trafford directors’ box this Sunday. For the man tasked with appointing a successor to Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, the prominent red letters spelling out the name of Manchester United’s iconic manager serve as a stark reminder of the formidable challenge he faces at Anfield.
United, still in search of a replacement for Ferguson after 11 years since his departure following 13 Premier League titles in two decades, have struggled to fill his shoes. With the team’s qualification for the Champions League next season in jeopardy, it appears increasingly likely that the club will embark on its sixth managerial appointment since 2013 this summer.
The Succession Nightmare at Manchester United
Avoiding the succession nightmare that has plagued United is a daunting task for Edwards, Liverpool’s former sporting director who recently rejoined the club after a two-year hiatus in a new role as CEO of Football for Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the club’s owners. While United have faced criticism for their post-Ferguson choices, some circumstances were beyond their control. Alarmingly, Liverpool seems to be encountering similar unavoidable challenges.
When David Moyes was unveiled as Ferguson’s replacement just a day after the Scottish manager’s retirement announcement following 27 years at the helm, Moyes was christened “The Chosen One.” However, the reality behind the scenes revealed a different narrative – Moyes was actually United’s sixth choice, with the club either tardy in securing deals with more qualified candidates or rejected by those who sought other opportunities.
In 2013, United found themselves in a competitive market for a new boss. Real Madrid and Chelsea were already in pursuit of Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho respectively. Furthermore, Pep Guardiola had expressed his intention to Ferguson during a meeting in New York City that he would be returning from a sabbatical to assume Bayern Munich’s managerial post. Despite engaging with the likes of Klopp and Simeone at that time, Moyes was ultimately handed the mantle, only to be dismissed within a year.
The Search for Jürgen Klopp’s Successor
With Klopp confirming his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season back in November, the club has been granted ample time to seek his replacement. Edwards’ return to the organization kickstarted the recruitment process. However, Liverpool hit a roadblock when Xabi Alonso opted out of consideration, committing his future to Bayer Leverkusen where he has excelled as a manager.
Other potential candidates such as De Zerbi and Amorim are also on the radars of top-tier clubs like Bayern and Barcelona, complicating Liverpool’s pursuit. Despite identifying them as leading contenders, Liverpool faces tough competition for their services. This scenario echoes the dilemma United experienced in 2013, demonstrating the complexities of recruiting top managerial talent.
The landscape is further muddied by the candidacies of De Zerbi and Amorim being targeted by heavyweight rivals, potentially tipping the scales in a different direction. Liverpool risks losing out on their prime choices, similar to United’s missteps in the past. The quest to avoid the pitfalls of Ferguson’s exit continues to be a pressing concern for Liverpool.
While several names have been linked to the vacant managerial position at Liverpool, uncertainties loom large, especially with Bayern and Barcelona lurking in the shadows. The task of finding a suitable replacement for Klopp remains a challenging one, akin to United’s ongoing struggles following Ferguson’s departure.
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