Jurgen Klopp gives his honest take on Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi as the Italian – whom he has never beat – emerges as one of his potential successors ahead of their clash

Jurgen Klopp has hailed Roberto De Zerbi as a ‘top coach’ and says the Italian’s Brighton team are ‘super intriguing to watch’, ahead of Liverpool’s encounter with the south-coast club on Sunday.

Naturally, De Zerbi is a contender for Klopp’s job come next season. After this season, the German will leave the team, and Xabi Alonso disqualified himself from the competition this afternoon, making De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim of Sporting the front-runners.

That implies that Sunday’s match at Anfield will serve as a sort of audition for De Zerbi. Additionally, Klopp has praised the Seagulls, a team that has been a nightmare for Liverpool lately.

Since De Zerbi took over at the Amex Stadium, his side have beaten the Reds twice and drawn the other two meetings.

‘We know how difficult it is against Brighton,’ said Klopp. ‘Roberto is doing an incredible job there. We improved over the 18-20 months since he arrived (in England).

‘The first game was surprising, we were their first opponent when he joined the club. We had no clue what to expect.

‘It was impressive how quick he got the team in his way. Since then it has only gotten better.

‘A really impressive, different way of playing football. It’s about having possession, they want it and we want it, but we need to have more. That’s the best way to defend against them.

‘When they have the ball, you have to be ready to suffer. It will be super interesting, I’m really looking forward to it.’

When asked explicitly what qualities make De Zerbi unique, Klopp said, “The way they play.” It’s a very distinct approach. I was unable to coach that. “It contradicts my nature!” Although it’s a terrific viewing, the players must maintain precise positioning.

‘Hold your position, keep your position, pass at the right moment. He’s a top coach doing really well, super interesting to see. That makes it tricky.

‘It’s just a different way. Possession-based but even more structured from a positional point of view than maybe Manchester City or whatever where they have a bit more freedom.

‘Brighton, on their day, can beat any team. But good news: we can do that as well.’