Seems that way but looks dead cert to become the next world class manager, everything points to it thus far. I posted Mourinho's thoughts on him few pages ago, everyone else shares a similar opinion.
Ideally was hoping that Gerrard would take over eventually after Rangers etc but that was mostly wishful thinking, looked like the club was potentially grooming the assman Pep Lijnders for that role instead but I never liked the idea and I'm glad he's leaving.
I rate guys like De Zerbi and Thomas Frank but I didn't really have a good replacement in mind last couple years. Until Ange joined Spurs, he looks in a similar mould but his age is not ideal and he would be a better fit if the club were a mess, but they are extremely well run.
Last few months however it became increasingly more obvious that Xabi Alonso has grown into the perfect candidate and already seems more than ready for a top job, people thought he was ready back in his Real Sociedad B days, he's still top of the table unbeaten at Leverkusen and playing fantastic football. I expect him to turn down Chelsea should they soon try and get him.