Jurgen Klopp successor or fluffed lines? Dissecting Roberto De Zerbi’s Anfield audition

As auditions go, Brighton’s battling performance in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield certainly didn’t do any harm to Roberto De Zerbi’s prospects of succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

The Italian may have lost for the first time in five games against Liverpool but his talented and energetic Brighton team pushed the title contenders all the way after Danny Welbeck’s 87-second stunner had given them the lead.

De Zerbi’s post-match press conference wasn’t quite a ‘come and get me plea’ to any of the big clubs, like Liverpool, who will be looking for new manager this summer. But it certainly sounded like he was preparing the way for a possible departure.

“The next season before starting I would like to listen to the plan of the team. I think it is a serious thing,” he said.

Klopp certainly seemed to offer his seal of approval in the build-up. He said the way De Zerbi sets up his team was contrary to his own philosophy but intrigued him.

“It’s a different way – I couldn’t coach that,” said Klopp. “It goes against my personality. It’s very demanding for the players. They have clear positioning and pass in the right moments. He’s a top coach.

“It’s super interesting to see – I like watching them [Brighton]. It makes it tricky. It’s possession based but even more structured, than maybe Manchester City or whoever that have a bit more freedom. On their day, they can beat anyone in this league.”

Brighton certainly ran them close – but how did De Zerbi do?

Touchline presence and image

Dressed in a black hoodie, black trousers and white trainers, De Zerbi looked more like a well-dressed fan than a manager. He spent most of the game in the technical area rather than his seat, occasionally straying from the white lines as the action unfolded.

He kept his cool for most of the game but on occasions broke into frantic animation when one of his players played the wrong pass or lost possession. At one point he put his arms round fourth official Craig Pawson in protest over a decision, albeit this was more friendly than furious.

Style of play and use of subs

Despite a catalogue of injuries, Brighton were excellent. De Zerbi’s first game as Brighton manager, a 3-3 draw at Anfield 18 months ago, made people sit up and he beat them twice last season at the Amex in the league and FA Cup as well as holding them a to a 2-2 draw earlier this season.

When Welbeck gave them an early lead it looked as if he might continue that run. Brighton defended deeply and compactly as they tried to preserve their lead, using the pace of Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra on the left to threaten on the counter while Welbeck was always a threat through the middle.

De Zerbi’s substitutions gave his team fresh impetus after Mohamed Salah had put Liverpool ahead. Adam Lallana, Facundo Buonanotte and Evan Ferguson provided fresh impetus and ensured Liverpool could never relax.

Crowd reaction

De Zerbi went over with his players to salute Brighton’s travelling supporters, who responded with warm applause for their manager and team while at the other end Klopp launched into his familiar fist-pumping celebration in front of the Kop.

Is he Klopp’s successor in waiting?

He may not be the leading candidate among club executives or fans but De Zerbi ticks a lot of the boxes.

He has shown, first at unfashionable Sassuolo in Italy – guiding them to two successive eight place finishes in Serie A – and then Brighton that he is a very astute tactician and good man manager, who can inspire teams to punch above their weight.

At both clubs, key players were sold to balance the books but he was able to bring in cheaper replacements, coach them well, and maintain the team’s improvement. That will appeal to Liverpool’s cost-conscious American hierarchy.

If De Zerbi can ensure Brighton qualify for European football for a second successive season it will be another superb achievement, given the injuries he has had to contend with, and will only serve to improve his CV.

De Zerbi on Liverpool links: Brighton must prove they can match my ambitions

Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi says he wants the club to prove they can meet his ambitions before committing his future beyond this season.

The Italian underlined his considerable credentials as Brighton were edged out by Liverpool, beaten 2-1 in a high class fixture at Anfield.

But having raised doubts about his long-term future over the weekend, De Zerbi reiterated he would be holding talks with Brighton owner Tony Bloom before determining his next move. Liverpool are among those considering an approach for the Italian to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

“I have another two years of contract. To work next season at Brighton I don’t need to extend another year or two years,” said De Zerbi.

“I can stay and work in Brighton with or without the extension. Nothing has changed. At the moment we finished the discussion about the contract but not because I have decided yet to leave. No, no. My focus is on Brighton this season, the next season. But the next season before starting the season I would like to listen to the plan of the team. I think it is a serious thing.”

De Zerbi said he was proud of his side’s efforts, stressing he was without seven first team players for the trip to Merseyside.

“We played against a great team and we played well,” he said.

“We had the chance to score (an equaliser), especially in the last 15 minutes. We have to be proud of that performance without seven players. The individual performances were very good.”