It will be a very interesting summer for Liverpool Football Club as Jurgen Klopp leaves Anfield after nine years, and passes on the baton to the next managerial incumbent.
The German has written himself into Reds folklore not just for the way his teams play football and his trophy haul whilst at the club, but for the energy he’s brought to the position and the humanity he’s shown to many.
The biggest compliment that could be paid to him is that he will be mentioned in the same reverential tones as the likes of Shankly, Paisley and Dalglish in years to come.
Whether or not Liverpool enjoy a successful end to the 2023/24 campaign, Klopp’s legacy is assured.
Another Reds legend is carving out his own managerial career in the Bundesliga at present, and Xavi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side have the destiny of the German top-flight title in their own hands.
With 12 games left of the season, Leverkusen are eight points clear of nearest rivals, Bayern Munich, who’ve won the last 11 consecutive titles.
Were the status quo to remain, it would bring a first-ever title to Leverkusen and surely see the clamour for Alonso to return to Liverpool reach fever pitch.
However, according to The Athletic (subscription required), Bayern, another of Alonso’s former employers, will target the Spaniard should they decide to dispense with the services of current manager, Thomas Tuchel.