In the Anfield tunnel, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp embraced his Brighton counterpart Roberto de Zerbi warmly, exemplifying the deep affection and mutual respect they share.
This moment occurred shortly after Liverpool secured a narrow victory over Brighton, propelling them to the top of the Premier League table. As the managers conducted their post-match interviews, they crossed paths once more.
“I told De Zerbi to keep turning the football world upside down,” Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked what he had said to the Italian.
“I will watch it from some distance. I respect so much what he’s doing.”
However, the question arises: where will the departing Liverpool manager, who plans to take a hiatus from coaching at the end of the season, observe De Zerbi’s managerial endeavors?
There’s speculation that the Brighton manager could potentially succeed Klopp at Anfield.
The 44-year-old Italian has garnered significant attention after guiding the Seagulls to a remarkable sixth-place finish last season, securing European football for the club for the first time.
Amid ongoing uncertainties about his future at Brighton, De Zerbi has already been touted as one of the top candidates to replace Klopp.
His prospects seem to have improved further since Xabi Alonso, initially considered the frontrunner, opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.
While Klopp might not have a direct influence on his successor’s selection, his high regard for De Zerbi wouldn’t have escaped the notice of Liverpool’s decision-makers.
“It is incredible what he has done,” added the German.
“Brighton have lost Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo, they have lots of injuries, but he puts a team like that together. An incredible job.”
Klopp breathed a sigh of relief as his team rallied from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory at Anfield, catapulting them to the summit of the Premier League – albeit temporarily, pending the outcome of the Manchester City versus Arsenal clash later that Sunday.
Following a goalless draw between their title contenders, Liverpool maintained their top position with 67 points, leaving them with nine games remaining in the season. Arsenal trailed closely in second place with 65 points, while City remained in third with 64 points.
However, Liverpool’s ascent was hard-fought against a resilient Brighton side well-versed in executing De Zerbi’s tactics.
Brighton made a flying start, with Danny Welbeck’s powerful strike finding the net after just 87 seconds. Subsequently, they adopted a deep and disciplined defensive approach, patiently waiting for opportune moments to launch counter-attacks.
“We played the best game against them since we face each other, so I like that even more,” said Klopp, who earned his first win over De Zerbi in five attempts.
Some had billed the game as an Anfield audition for the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager. While his team ended up losing, De Zerbi said they “played well” and “showed their best” against one of the leading teams in the Premier League.
Brighton have not been able to hit the same heights as last season, impacted by the added Europa League games and a host of injuries to key players stretching De Zerbi’s squad.
Yet they still sit ninth in the Premier League and remain in the hunt for back-to-back European qualification.
De Zerbi remains contracted at Brighton until 2026 but has not been shy in expressing his demands to owner Tony Bloom if he is going to stay.
“I am lucky because I have a clear idea and in my life I decide always what I want to do,” he said.
“I will speak with Tony and the club and we will find a solution together without problems but I know my future and what I want.
“I want to compete and keep my ambition high because my life is football. I want to wake up happy every morning and fight to reach the maximum.”