Next Liverpool manager: Who will replace Jurgen Klopp?

Football on the red half of Merseyside will experience an earth-shattering change at the end of the 2023/24 season when Jurgen Klopp brings an end to nine successful years at Liverpool.

The German manager turned the sleeping Anfield giants into contenders again on both domestic and European fronts, winning a Premier League and Champions League title apiece alongside a host of cup triumphs.

All good things must come to an end, however, and while Klopp’s attention remains firmly on the job at hand with the Reds well placed in a number of competitions, the interest in the search for his successor is sky-high.

Here’s everything you need to know about Klopp’s departure and the names linked with taking one of the biggest jobs in world football.

A message to Liverpool supporters from Jürgen Klopp. pic.twitter.com/l7rtmxgOzt

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2024

Klopp confirmed on Friday 26 January he will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. The former Borussia Dortmund boss admitted he is “running out of energy” having transformed the club’s fortunes during his nine-year spell in charge, revealing he is “convinced” leaving is the best decision possible.

He added: “After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

The news of Klopp’s departure came completely out of the blue, leaving Reds fans stunned all over the world. The team showed no signs of disruption in their next game, comfortably overcoming Norwich City in the FA Cup to reach the fifth round, but there were tributes paid to Klopp pre kick-off.

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon said: “First and foremost, on behalf of John Henry and Tom Werner, I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jurgen. It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre, but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection. At the same time, we fully respect his wishes and the reasons why he has decided the current season will be his last at Liverpool.”

Club captain Virgil van Dijk insisted his squad are keen to end Klopp’s reign “on a high”. The Dutchman later revealed some uncertainty around his own future following the announcement, but then clarified he has no immediate plans to leave.

Andy Robertson echoed his sentiments, calling on his teammates to give the 56-year-old a “send-off that he truly deserves”.

Klopp praised the Liverpool squad for their “really good” response when he first revealed his exit, with four trophies still to play for in the second half of the 2023/24 season.

Liverpool face a tough task in finding a worthy successor to Klopp, such has been his impact at Anfield. However, his departure later this year will prompt the Reds into action off the pitch as potential candidates are sized up over the remainder of the season.

One name linked is Xabi Alonso. The former Liverpool and Spain midfielder is currently in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, where he is leading a charge for the Bundesliga title against perennial champions Bayern Munich.

There’s plenty to like about that potential appointment, with Alonso’s Anfield connection well known as his managerial credentials blossom, but he’s not the only gaffer who has been touted to take over on Merseyside.

Roberto De Zerbi’s enterprising approach at Brighton has won him new admirers in the Premier League, while Ruben Amorim and Zinedine Zidane have also been floated on social media.

It probably won’t end up being Steven Gerrard, currently of Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Arabia, but then again Roy Hodgson once sat in the Anfield dugout, so anything is possible.

Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield dugout in late 2015, with his first game being a goalless draw away at Tottenham Hotspur on 17 October.

His starting lineup that day included Simon Mignolet, Alberto Moreno and Lucas Leiva but the squad improved season upon season and, after being defeated by Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final, the Reds went one better the next season and beat Tottenham 2-0 in Madrid, earning Klopp his first trophy in charge.

That victory enabled further successes in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup before they completed a historic league triumph in 2019/20. Liverpool were crowned champions of England for the first time since 1990, finishing 18 points ahead of Manchester City.

They would push City in the following years at the top of the Premier League before picking up the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield in 2022.

Four trophies remain within Klopp and Liverpool’s reach in 2023/24. The Reds have already reached the Carabao Cup final where they will face Chelsea at Wembley, while they are safely into the FA Cup fifth round and Europa League last 16.

They are also top of the Premier League table but face stern competition from Man City and Arsenal in a fascinating title race.

Premier League table

As of 31/01/24

Europa League

FA Cup

Carabao Cup

READ MORE ON JURGEN KLOPP’S SHOCK LIVERPOOL DEPARTURE

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins