- By Jonathan Jurejko
- BBC Sport
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Loved the game – Klopp in the win over Brighton
Down in the Anfield tunnel, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shared a warm hug with his Brighton counterpart Roberto de Gerby in a moment that epitomized the love and respect between the pair.
It came shortly after Liverpool had beaten Brighton to go top of the Premier League table when the managers once again passed each other during the post-match interviews.
“I told De Gerby to keep turning the world of football upside down,” Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live when asked what he had said to the Italian.
“I’ll be watching from a distance. I have so much respect for what he’s doing.”
But where will the soon-to-depart Liverpool boss, who is taking a break from the game at the end of the season, watch De Gerby do his change?
The possibility remains that the Brighton boss could be Klopp’s replacement at Anfield.
The 44-year-old Italian has become hot property after guiding the Seagulls to sixth place last season and bringing European football to the club for the first time.
With his future at Brighton still in doubt, De Gerby was already among the favorites to take over from Klopp.
But his chances have seemingly increased since Xabi Alonso – thought to be the front-runner – decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.
Klopp may not have a say in who will be his replacement, but the high regard he holds for De Gerby would not have gone unnoticed by the Liverpool hierarchy.
“It’s incredible what he’s done,” added the German.
“Brighton have lost Alexis McAllister and Moises Caicedo, they’ve got a lot of injuries, but they’re putting together such a team. An incredible job.”
image source, Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool had not beaten Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton until Sunday’s 2-1 win at Anfield.
Klopp’s relief came after his side fought back from behind to secure a 2-1 win at Anfield that took them top of the Premier League – at least until Manchester City and Arsenal meet later on Sunday.
After their title rivals played out a goalless draw, Liverpool remain top on 67 points with nine rounds remaining. Arsenal are second with 65 points, City remain third with 64 points.
But securing that cushion was difficult for Liverpool against a Brighton side well-versed in understanding De Gerby’s demands.
Brighton made the perfect start by scoring with Danny Welbeck’s powerful strike after 87 seconds, then defended deep and disciplined while patiently choosing the right moments to counterattack.
“We played the best game against them since we’ve faced each other, so I like that even more,” said Klopp, who earned his first win over De Gerby in five attempts.
Some had billed the game as an audition at Anfield for the former Shakhtar Donetsk manager. While his side ended up losing, De Gerby said they “played well” and “showed their best” against one of the Premier League’s top sides.
Brighton have been unable to reach the same heights as last season, affected by the added Europa League games and a number of injuries to key players stretching De Gerby’s squad.
However, they are still in ninth place in the Premier League and remain in the hunt for back-to-back European qualification.
De Gerby remains under contract at Brighton until 2026 but has not hesitated to express his demands to owner Tony Bloom if he is to stay.
“I’m lucky because I have a clear idea and in my life I always decide what I want to do,” he said.
“I will talk to 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 ambitions high because my life is football. I want to wake up happy every morning and fight to reach the maximum.”
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De Gerby praises Brighton ‘honour’ after Liverpool defeat