Premier League boss downplays chances of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
- Klopp's exit from Anfield this summer already confirmed
- Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi on extensive shortlist of potential replacements
- Brentford boss Thomas Frank also linked with upcoming vacancy
Thomas Frank insists that he's "very happy" at Brentford despite rumoured interest from Liverpool ahead of Jurgen Klopp's departure.
Klopp recently confirmed that he intends to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, stating that he is "running out of energy" after nine gruelling years in charge at Anfield.
The shock announcement send the footballing world into overdrive, with the credentials of potential successors quickly being analysed, and 90min understands that Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, a former player at Liverpool, is the lead contender on a shortlist of over half a dozen managers.
Frank has done an exceptional job at Brentford, establishing the club as Premier League mainstays after promotion from the Championship, and he's earned plaudits for the style of play on offer at the Gtech Community Stadium as well as his man-management skills.
The Dane has been linked with taking over at Liverpool, but he was quick to reaffirm his commitment to his current employers when asked about the recent speculation in his latest press conference.
“There’s a lot rumours out there. I think we all have kind of an ego and the ego likes that little bit of sugar but at the end of the day I’m at Brentford. I’m very happy here," Frank said.
"Do I have ambitions? Yes. Am I going to stay at Brentford forever? Maybe but probably not. So who knows what’s going to happen in the future. What I know is that I’m here at Brentford and I’m very happy with it.
“Yeah, I keep up with things and have seen that Xavi and Klopp are leaving. Two big coaching personalities for two fantastic clubs, both of whom have done well. Like everyone else, I also have ambitions, but it’s hard to say exactly what they are," he told Tipsbladet last week.
“I’m focused on doing well right now. I have no doubt that we need to finish the second half of the season strongly. I understand that we need some good performances and to win some football matches, and that’s my main focus right now."
Frank's reputation will likely be enhanced further if his Brentford side can find a way to beat Liverpool in Saturday's early kick-off. The Bees were victorious on their travels last time out, earning a 2-0 win away at Wolves, but have struggled to find consistency with Ivan Toney previously suspended for five months and Bryan Mbeumo out injured.
Toney is now back in the side and has made his presence felt immediately, scoring in each of his first three games.
READ THE LATEST LIVERPOOL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
feed