When Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, it sent shockwaves through football.
Though the decision isn’t really a surprise given that the German has been at the coal face at Anfield for the past nine years, he’s left such an indelible footprint, that there will be a ‘before’ and ‘after’ once he’s closed the manager’s door and left for the last time.
In much the same way as David Moyes inherited a poisoned chalice when taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Man United, whoever follows Klopp at Liverpool is likely to be on a hiding to nothing unless they’re able to consistently replicate the manner of football that the Anfield faithful have become used to.
Not only that, but Klopp managed with consummate ease to be accepted by the locals. He ‘felt’ what Liverpool meant and became one of them, and that’s why his leaving marks the end of an era at the club.
Rumours are already rife as to who will take over from him, with Reds old boy and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso, being installed as the favourite for many.
Klopp’s departure could see multiple replacements emerge
However, it appears that the Merseyside outfit aren’t tied to Alonso as their preferred candidate, with The Independent (subscription required) also suggesting that Sporting’s excellent coach, Ruben Amorim, is in the mix.
In time there may be other names that could also be added to the list because it’s a decision that the owners have to get spot on.