On the 13th of December, the German signed a new deal to keep him at Liverpool until 2024. It is thought that he will leave the club when his new deal runs out for a sabbatical or a new challenge. Who will be Jurgen Klopp’s replacement at Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp’s Potential Replacements at Liverpool
Steven Gerrard
Liverpool must find the right replacement who will build on what Klopp has already done. They will want to find someone who can do what Bob Paisley did by carrying on the traditions from before. The German has not only built a team, but he has rebuilt the club and brought it to another level that has put them back on their perch. Liverpool need to get it right so the German’s hard work doesn’t go to waste. They have four years to find the right man.
There have been a few names been thrown around, one being former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of Rangers. If we are being honest, Steven Gerrard will probably end up as Liverpool manager someday. So, if Liverpool were going to consider giving Gerrard the job they can look at other clubs for reference. Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal have gone down the route of appointing former players. There have been mixed results. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been struggling at United but seems to be turning a corner but we know that can be misleading. Frank Lampard and Mikel Arteta have done respectable jobs but it’s been up and down. Liverpool will have a very close eye on what Gerrard does at Rangers in the next two-three years.
Multiple Options
Another option for Liverpool could be the RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann. Despite being only 32 years young, he led Hoffenheim to back-to-back top four spots in the Bundesliga. Despite losing to Liverpool in a Champions League play-off, he would lead the club to the group stage the following season. He often likes to deploy a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, but he shows his versatility by playing four at the back at times. There are similarities to Klopp’s system as both use effective presses to turn the ball over and counter. Both also like to be direct to try and take advantage of space in behind. Nagelsmann has also been able to get the best out of Liverpool target Timo Werner which could be a match made in heaven in the next few years if they were to reunite at Anfield.
Another name that’s been thrown around is Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders. He knows the club and it mirrors the famous boot room where Liverpool appointed from within. It may not be the greatest tactic in modern-day football but the Dutchman knows the club and is a key part of the set-up. The only problem is his lack of experience as a manager with only managing NEC from the Netherlands for half a year before returning to Liverpool.
Liverpool have four years to find the best replacement for Klopp. They need to get it right and not end up like United who failed to replace Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s a big ask but Liverpool are back where they want to be and will be able to pick from the best.
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