Roberto De Zerbi says he can understand Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool manager.

But his own sights are set firmly on an “historic” final few months of the season with Albion.

Klopp has announced he will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the current season.

De Zerbi said today: “I am very sad because, if he changes league, changes country, the Premier League loses one of the best coaches in the world.

“I consider Klopp, Guardiola, Ancelotti, Bielsa the best coaches in the world and I am sad for it.

“I can understand it very well. I think our work is the best work you can do but it is very tough.

“You need energy. You have to push every day.

“You have to keep the behaviour to improve day by day.

“You have to study because you can’t stop your improvement for the new game, the new coaches, the new ideas.

“If you don’t work with the right energy, you lose everything.”

De Zerbi gave a shake of the head and a blank look when told he is among the bookies’ early favourites to succeed Klopp.

He said there was no update about a potential new Albion contract and added: “My focus is just on the last part of the season.

“We are going to compete and to play an historic part of the season.

“We compete in the Premier League to reach the same target as last season.

“We are going to play the last 16 in the Europa League.

“We compete in the FA Cup and we remember the defeat last season in Wembley and for it I keep my eye on my team.”