Liverpool have urged to consider appointing Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini as a potential replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta’s manager, showcased his expertise once more as he guided his team to a surprising 3-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday. With this win, the Italian side secure a significant three-goal advantage heading into the quarter-final second leg in Italy next week.
Atalanta’s track record in European competitions, marked by notable victories, underscores Gasperini’s managerial prowess. Particularly noteworthy is his triumph over Liverpool, amid speculation surrounding Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season.
After the match, European football expert James Horncastle suggested that the 66-year-old should be considered as a potential replacement for Klopp. Meanwhile, reports are circulating about Sporting’s Ruben Amorim and Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as well.
Gasperini Has an Impressive Track Record Over Ruben Amorim
Gasperini has faced off against Ruben Amorim numerous times in European football, triumphing over him both at home and away, securing victory in four consecutive encounters.
This impressive track record, even at his age in his 60s, positions him as a strong contender for the Liverpool job, according to Horncastle.
After the match, Horncastle said: “There’s a big vacancy here (at Anfield) here in the summer and that guy, Gian Piero Gasperini, doesn’t get talked about. Over eight years, he’s probably punched above his weight, per his resources, more than any other coach. I think he should be in the conversation for more of these jobs.
“I think, with Gasperini, he was burnt in the past when he went to a big job. When he went to Inter. Inter didn’t back him. At Atalanta, he knows he’s on to a good thing. He’s in his 60s, he knows the grass isn’t greener on the other side. He’s got a good contract, he’s incentivised to stay here.
“But at the same time, we’ve spent the last month to six weeks talking about Xabi Alonso coming here. Amorim coming here.
“This guy (Gasperini) beat Amorim home and away with Sporting. Went four games against them unbeaten. He’s shown that he can build and re-build teams. Three different teams now (that) he’s had here.”
Gasperini Believes Liverpool are ‘So Strong’
After the match, Gasperini addressed the media, expressing caution about the upcoming return fixture next week against Liverpool. He praised Liverpool while highlighting the significance of his team’s victory at Anfield for Italian football overall.
“Tonight’s game was amazing,” said the Atalanta boss. “I didn’t make any changes until 10 minutes to go because it was really hard to touch something about a team that held out until the 90th minute.
“It’s okay to celebrate but we all know we will have to conquer everything in Bergamo next week because Liverpool is so strong.”
He added: “We’re really happy for how big our win is, and our opponent is,” added the Italian. “You know the stats about Anfield. Ten days ago we won 3-0 away at Napoli and we were happy, but not so happy. It is a win for Italian football, not many teams win here at Anfield.”
In other Liverpool news, Wørse Than Nunez: Klopp Must Boldly Axe 3/10 Liverpool Star After Europa Thrashing