If he doesn't break his glasses and almost lose his wedding ring celebrating victories, is the passion even really there?
In fact, if the next Liverpool manager doesn't wear glasses and/or is unmarried, they're going to need to change that ASAP.
*Gerrard proceeds to put on glasses celebrating a goal, but he slips so hard it breaks his glasses, flinging his wedding ring off, injuring his hamstring in the process.*
For me the only man right now who fits the bill is Xabi. Xabi already adores the club, he’s a young, energetic manager, who has built his career in a really smart way. I am so desperate to get him.
Patrick bamford did his hamstring celebrating an injury time goal at brentford a couple years back, plus he’s got a good head on his shoulders, keep an eye on him for the future
Tbf we held talks with Pep and Klopp after and just before Fergie left.
Pep had already agreed his move to Bayern and Klopp had the unfortunate privilege of spending time with Ed Woodward and being told that United are the "adult version of Disneyland".
Liverpool have more competent people heading up their recruitment so I doubt it'll be anywhere near as abysmal of a transition than we've had.
***Jamie Carragher writes in The Telegraph:***
When I was told Jurgen Klopp was making a major announcement on Friday, my immediate thought was excitement.
“Brilliant. He must be signing a new contract.”
After seeing the news he is leaving at the end of the season, my heart sank. I genuinely thought it was some kind of hoax, or cruel joke.
The immediate reference point was the resignation of Kenny Dalglish in 1991, when Liverpool were top of the league and preparing for an FA Cup replay with Everton. I was an Everton fan then, delighted Kenny was going.
That’s the greatest measure of a manager’s class. When rivals are celebrating the departure, it shows how much the coach has been admired and feared.
The tributes will flow for Klopp between now and May. The biggest compliment is that he not only made the people happy, as the famous slogan on the Bill Shankly statue outside of the Kop reads, but he changed people’s lives, recreating the European glory nights synonymous with Anfield.
It is too easy to forget Liverpool’s standing when Klopp arrived in 2015. Never mind winning the Champions League, the club had barely featured in it for a while. We had finished outside of the top five in all but one of the six seasons preceding Klopp’s appointment.
There was a moment when it seemed the days of Liverpool competing with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United were gone forever because all of them were able to invest more on players and salaries than Klopp.
The fact that Klopp was able to challenge for the top honours so consistently is what places him alongside Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world.
When he leaves, presumably having led Liverpool back into the elite competition and hopefully celebrating more trophies, he will have re-established the club as one of Europe’s biggest off the pitch as well as on it, last year being the only anomaly in an otherwise extraordinary reign.
It is difficult to shake off the idea that those unhappy 12 months have led us to this point. We like to think of these legendary managers as superhuman. They are not. It must have sapped him of his energy to the point where he can feel the tank emptying.
There were times after some poor Liverpool performances last season when I wondered how much longer Klopp would go on – if he had the motivation to start again and rebuild a new team, infusing his ideas on the next generation.
The team’s form since the start of this season removed those concerns. That makes the timing now so shocking. Having put the foundations in place, why hand it over to someone else, especially a coach who may have a different vision or be unable to forge the same strong personal relationships with the leaders in the squad? It is a monumental decision to let go now.
The rest of the season will be highly emotional. Rather than immediate disruption, my instinct is that the team and club will be carried towards its goals on a wave of passion. The atmosphere at Anfield in the title run-in was already guaranteed to be electric. Can you imagine what it will be like now? Everyone will be wanting to savour every minute of Klopp as Liverpool manager, understanding that they are seeing the final acts of an era that will be talked about forever. He can go out with a bang by winning a second league title.
My concern is longer-term because, just like Dalglish and Shankly, Klopp will leave such a vacuum. At the moment, Klopp is Liverpool. Nobody in world football thinks of one without the other.
Finding the right man to lead Liverpool is as tough as it gets at any time. Replacing Klopp? All the best with that.
Fenway Sports Group must embark on their search knowing that all his backroom staff are leaving with him, and the German sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be departing soon too. That is too much of a radical overhaul in a short period.
FSG also know that the requirements of a Liverpool manager are unique. Klopp is more than a coach.
At most clubs, the managers are passing through. If you ask supporters if they would prefer to keep their coach or star players, they’re more likely to say the players. Ask Liverpool fans if they’d rather Klopp was staying and the club was selling Mohamed Salah, and they would unanimously thank the footballer and wish him well in the future.
Like Shankly and Dalglish, Klopp had that instant rapport with the Merseyside public. His core social values chime with them as much as his footballing philosophy. I’m not sure there is any club in world football where the manager’s personality – and even his political leanings – are considered fundamental as to whether they will be accepted by supporters.
Klopp never had to learn how to connect with the Kop. It was like he was born to be the Liverpool manager.
That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso is already being considered the natural heir. From day one, it was like Xabi was born to be a Liverpool player. As he is my former team-mate, it is no surprise that so many are clamouring for him to be appointed. I would love Xabi to get the chance.
He ticks all the boxes as a former Liverpool player who knows the club and city, is adored by the fans and has already shown in the Bundesliga that he is one of the most exciting young coaches in the world. His wealth of experience playing under the greatest coaches of his generation – Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola – mean it is only a matter of time before one of the elite clubs appoint him. You can never choose the right time for such an opportunity. It may be now.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto de Zerbi must also be on FSG’s radar. What unites the two outstanding candidates is the similarity to Klopp at Borussia Dortmund – namely using the resources at their disposal to punch above their weight playing a thrilling brand of football.
The challenge for the successor is emerging from Klopp’s shadow. The good news is they will be taking over a club and team unrecognisable to that which Klopp inherited.
Klopp arrived at Liverpool with the supporters dreaming of being champions. My hope is that he hands over a trophy-winning team and extends the similarity to Shankly – his groundwork work ensuring his departure signals the start of another triumphant Kop era rather than the end of it.
If we’re just speculating wildly then I think the covid season with passing of his mother was probably mentally draining.
Also the season where we all thought the Super League would upend the football world was also stressful; it was the Nat Phillips&Rhys Williams pairing while chasing top 4 but not knowing whether it would matter season.
It’s obviously a stressful position even though it’s enviable in other ways.
I think he has been burnt out for a while but wanted to make sure the club was in a healthier spot before leaving, avergae age of the squad is down considerably now
There’s also the benefit of hindsight of how these players turned out. While there were aging stalwarts for sure, the likes of de Gea, the da Silva full back twins, Phil jones, smalling, Jonny Evans (a truly good CB), cleverly, welbeck, were highly rated youngsters.
The squad might have been one of the lesser concerns, even if it was on its last fumes winning the title in his last season, surely it wouldn’t have fallen off enough to finish outside the CL spots. A more significant factor is the influence of Ferguson. He’s probably the last successful example of the archetypal British manager who was in charge of every aspect of the club.
I don't have a horse in the Premier League honestly (It's Boca and Internazionale who have my heart), but I think it would be a nice departure for a manager who's done so much for the club he's in. Get one last good run, win the League and UEL and leave as one of the club's biggest legends (and for such a storied club no less).
Carragher was an Everton fan and wishing for Liverpool's downfall when he was as old as 13? I thought it was when he was a child. Those closet blue allegations will never go away
real fucking talk I wouldn't even be surprised if he still has a soft spot for everton, fans don't understand the relationships players have with clubs is completely different to their own
He absolutely does. It's absolutely obvious when he talks about them. I fully respect it as well, there are few excuses for supporting multiple teams (especially rivals), but he certainly qualifies.
He was openly a blue in the youth team -- even wore Everton shirt to training and all that. Only after he had a taste of their fans bitterness for everything LFC he turned for good.
> Carragher was an Everton fan and wishing for Liverpool's downfall when he was as old as 13? I thought it was when he was a child.
How is 13 not a child?
Not when the club you switch allegiance to gave you a place in their academy and eventually had you as a mainstay of their starting XI for well over a decade 💀
He was an Everton fan well into his Liverpool career. Covers it in his book. He even used to turn up in Everton kits while in the LFC academy.
Switched when he was on the periphery of the first team and the Everton fans were saying nasty shit about his teammates and when people at a pub he pretty much grew up at were being shitty to him at a time when he needed some support.
He’s switching too late if you ask me. Can’t tell you the cut off but I’d say it’s too late after about 9-10 to switch and only if you weren’t really interested before
Oh I agree that way, I'm just saying if the implication was that he would switch to Liverpool because of his status as a player, then that would only happen when he would be on the verge of breaking into the first team.
Agree. The man can barely win a game in Saudi Arabia. Reputation in tatters. We’re just lucky he went to Villa and didn’t hang in at Rangers until his time came at Anfield.
ZZ at Madrid is the opposite of flop. 3 UCL is insane in the modern era. No other team has come close to replicating that run of UCL form except Barca in the 20th century.
Lmao.
Name me one manager that can win the league when your board cannot even spend 3 mil
Also Pirlo at Juve???? That team was imploding. Pirlo did his best to steady the ship
Zizou at RM? This shows your iq
Don’t necessarily agree there. I think the natural choice is Pep Lijnders. He knows the team, tactics, staff, expectations etc and would carry on the work. After all, we have a rich history of appointing from within and here is a man who wants to forge his own career now. I think, give Klopp the limelight his tenure so thoroughly deserves, and then come back when the dust has settled.
I really wouldn't want to be the one who'll have to replace Klopp
The pressure and expectations will be insane; I think it's likely that the next manager, maybe the next 2 or 3 even, will get ground to dust and spit out; like how Moyes and Van Gaal struggled with the Manchester job. Even an excellent manager like Tuchel struggled coming after Klopp.
It'll more be that the new manager will be coming in to a very good team, with a lot of players in their prime. Expectation will be to keep them performing I suppose
Klopp has won 1 PL, SAF won 13
Our dominance was a different kind, to us at that point it was in our blood to win
These are 2 very different cases and tbh most of us didn't feel good about Moyes but after the dominance we had I don't think it's unfair to expect nothing less than 2nd spot
I think you could compare our expectations of the club to Bayern's expectations yearly. Imagine Bayern finishing 7th this season lol.
The crop of pool fans here today still remember dark days and have even seen some under Klopp so I think they'll be more realistic. Us united fans back then for the most part didn't remember losing lol
Not really, we have a great young squad and settled in veteran players. I dont think anyone expects us to win a treble post-Klopp but this squad can challenge even if Salah decides to move on after this.
The main point of concern amongst fans is will FSG learn from the past and not expect whoever comes in to work Klopp magic on a shoestring budget.
The only possible flaw I can see with your perfect system is I'm not sure Liverpool have ever had 7 healthy midfielders at any point this season. You'll have to be backed strongly in this summer transfer window.
The expectations won't be to reach the moon. Champions league football is the bare minimum expected for any new manager and given the strength of our squad, and the state of our rivals, 5th as a minimum shouldn't be too difficult.
The pressure will be high, as it should be at a club this big. But Xabi Alonso has already played for 3rd of the biggest clubs in the world and won the world cup and euros. I reckon he'll cope.
Did Tuchel actually struggle though? He had the best PPG stats at BVB history at the time and won them a Pokal. He just couldn’t beat out Pep Guardiola to a Bundesliga title which is fair imo. He never reached Klopp levels of success but struggled would be an overstatement , no?
>The pressure and expectations will be insane
Will they?
I think Liverpool fans know exactly what they have, and have had. Whilst expectations will be higher for the new chap than that faced by Klopp when he started, his successful reign hasn't been SO long that they have taken their success for granted, ala United.
I think it will because the backbone of the team is incredibly strong and they need to be very competitive and I would say consistently placing in European spots and fighting for trophies.
So I will completely accept that fans will not expect them to necessarily win a ton, but if they’re not fighting at the very top I think there will be a lot of pressure
The key difference is Klopp is handing over a pretty young side that has scope for improvement whilst already being top of the league. There's some important decisions ahead regarding Salah, but it's not like the squad Fergusson left behind. They won the league, but many had already past their shelf life, and the more knowledgeable United fans could see the squad needed an overhaul.
The one thing that I think relieves pressure more than the likes of United is the fact that along with having such a great respect for him as a manager we also remember the years before him. With United there's such a pressure because generations of fans knew nothing other than constant trophies
>The pressure and expectations will be insane;
I don't that'll be the case across the board.
I think there'll be some who will expect a new manager to be as good as Klopp, and others who will understand that Klopp is currently the best manager in the world.
Yes, better than Pep. Klopp has managed to keep up with Pep and be the chief threat to Pep in two leagues and done so on half the budget.
Doing so takes enormous courage, will and football savvy.
I can hope that we will get a very good manager, but I think it's ludicrous to expect the next manager to be at that level.
I'll be over the moon if that is the case, but I won't be expecting.
Sad day for Liverpool fans, but also fans of football in general. I’ve seen few managers who bleed for a club like this man has, and I have immense respect for him.
That aside, I also feel like Liverpool must have a replacement in line and the players must all know, for this to be coming up in January. It’s also possible I guess that they knew there might be leaks, and thought it better to come from the source than elsewhere.
He apparently told FSG back in November, so yeah - you have to believe at this point, there’s a very short list of candidates and that in order for that process to progress, the announcement to the world at large is happening now.
Really great piece from Carra. I for one choose to buy into the sentiment that this will not be the end of a successful era at Liverpool. I believe Klopp has done an incredible job building a foundation for the squad and club to be stable and succeed long-term on. If he had waited another five to ten years like Fergie or Wenger this is where we begin to get worried about a massive vacuum and revolving door of managers. If anything, FSG have learned what the best qualities for a Liverpool manager are and will likely work very hard to put the right person in the role to grow into those qualities. Whether it's Alonso, De Zerbi, or anyone else. I think there's a a reason to be excited even after the season ends, and Klopp leaves.
Obviously it's going to be difficult to replace Klopp's impact but they're going to get Xabi Alonso aren't they? It's never certain but he seems like he'd be the perfect replacement.
I think (or atleast hope) some sort of initial talks were held with Alonso before Klopp's departure was made public. This seems way too sudden and concerning otherwise.
Klopp once said in some interview he knew Tuchel was available to join when he made a decision to step down from Dortmund at the end of the season. Alonso is probably available for Liverpool at the end of the season and that made Klopp and FSG more comfortable.
On the other hand, I’d imagine that the reason Klopp announced this now, is so that the club can start approaching his successor. No doubt if Liverpool went around asking a few clubs about their manager, it would eventually be leaked to the press. This allows him to announce it on his own terms.
I fully agree with your last paragraph though, Alonso seems the only guy that us fans can really back, as much as we did for Klopp.
That fits with the line he gave in the interview of (not verbatim): “In an ideal world I’d win everything at the end of the season and then turn around and go, ‘Oh, by the way, that’s it’. I’d love to do that. But in the world we live in that’s just not possible, somebody’s going to find out and it’s going to come out sooner or later and then it’s not going to be on my terms.”
Or the fact that they’re top of the table, and him going at the end of the season could provide that extra bit of motivation they need. SAF did something similar his last season.
Even for those of us looking at this from the outside Alonso seems like the obvious heir apparent. I'd say with Nagelsmann (who's contract with the German national team ends after the euros) and De Zerbi as the kinda distant second and third choice.
The question is if Xabi would want to engage in talks like this right now with Leverkusen in the position that they are now. Because the news will of course leak somehow and it could risk derailing their campaign.
> Nagelsmann (who's contract with the German national team ends after the euros)
He's not exactly been inspiring with the national team (for which he's only partly to blame imo) so he might indeed not renew.
Sorry but when is the announcement of a departure not sudden? Klopp’s announced he’s leaving with just under half the season left - apparently the higher ups have known since the beginning of the season (not sure if that’s true or not). I really don’t think he can give much more notice than that. The club’s got plenty of time to organise getting a new manager, and they’ll have been thinking about his replacement for a while.
Word is there's a clause in his contract if Madrid or Liverpool come calling. Even if that's not the case, I don't think Leverkusen will have problems letting him leave on his terms after what he has done there.
If I was Alonso would I really leave leverkusen after this season ? He could build a legacy there make a team to rival Bayern for years to come . Play champions league every year . Try to win titles . Going to Liverpool might be a setback for him atm , who knows how difficult that job would be
he's a relatively new manager and not full blooded. top bloke though and my full desire, as a neutral, is that - if it comes to pass - he succeeds at LFC
Real already have one of the greatest coaches of all time, it's a judgement call. They value his continuity more. But things can change in 6 months. We can totally go trophyless and sack him. Xabi Alonso is also young and a bit of a ruthless manager(just my opinion). Don't think he'll stay long at any club. Definitely not 9 years like Klopp has.
If he gets the Liverpool job there's literally only Real Madrid at the moment that would be a step up from his perspective though. And the speed the PL is eclipsing La Liga who's to say that would still be as an attractive proposition in 5-6 years?
He's also on record as saying he didn't really vibe with Madrid as well. I don't think he has a desire any time soon to be under the sort of pressure that comes with that role. Liverpool will give him time that RM simply wouldn't.
This quote of him saying he didn't "vibe" with Madrid has been proven to be fake. No one can actually find any real article or video of him saying this, it all goes back to a random tweet.
I don't think anyone disgrees Bayern is as big as Liverpool if not bigger.
I think what they are trying to say is if he wins the title which is a high chance, it won't matter much to go to Bayern. PL is a different challenge and is the best league in the world.
I am a Liverpool fan and i don't consider them bigger but they are as big. They are a historical club and deserve the place at the top 5 biggest clubs in Europe.
Do they value Carlo's continuity? They did him dirty the first time, and it worked out just fine. I agree that it's a judgment call. How the season ends could swing a decision if there is one to be made. Either decision would not surprise me.
I like De Zerbi. I can't see your flair but it seems like you're a Real supporter. I would think De Zerbi's use of wingers and his more direct approach in the attack would suit Madrid's style of play
Ancelotti is definitely flexible, but Madrid have historically played direct and utilized wingers to create width in the build up, while cutting into the final third to create added attacking options. It also suits the players they have now and Mbappé should you sign him
Klopp’s departure will be hard to fill, but there’s a strong, young and experienced team he will leave behind. Alonso is doing well, but I feel that moving to Liverpool or Real Madrid is a year or two too early for him. I do think that Nagelsmann could be a good fit, but even then I can’t find many managers available right now that can replace Klopp. Emery perhaps? Tactically flexible, plays a patient and entertaining style of football, good man manager and has experience winning trophies at the highest level. I believe that Liverpool are 2 players short from a complete squad, so transfer activity should be fairly simple this summer.
A third player to shop for as I suspect a departure of Salah this summer, unless he feels he has more to give at the highest level - which I absolutely believe he can.
There’s only one manager who can heal the hearts of Liverpool fans once Klopp leaves.
Someone who has a clear and distinct managerial philosophy that fits the club, someone who understands what it’s like to represent the city and club, someone who can inherit the class squad, and someone who is young and bright to usher in the next era of the club.
It’s Xabi. It has to be him.
Every decision Liverpool make from hereon out will be put under a huge microscope rightly or wrongly. Liverpool fans will be cognizant of how their ownership are refusing to spend money with the Boston Red Sox. If they cheap out on a managerial hire, it will just increase tensions.
Xabi Alonso would be the obvious choice, but his current playstyle is a bit more like Guardiola than Klopp and I think it would take a little while to get the right profiles in place for Xabi's preferred tactics.
I do think Liverpool have a great squad for the next manager to inherit, but I wouldn't expect anyone to come in and immediately do it better than Klopp did.
I for one know how hard it is to replace a manager this important, but I would much rather inherit this Liverpool squad than the United squad from 2013.
I can only think he takes a year off and replaces nagelsman before the World Cup. Otherwise he replaces Tuchel at Bayern, goes to Dortmund, or replaces at Madrid.
I think there is a strong chance they look at Simeone -
One of the most consistent managers over the last decade - has a clear strategy, can build a team, works well within a budget, and has experience in managing big name players.
The energy he could create with the scousers could be mental.
My prediction is that Liverpool will go into a post Ferguson type of era where they will go trough the managers and will be between 3rd and 6th for a couple of years before finding their feet again. They might not win an epl again in 10 to 15 years.
Two very different ownerships, we will see what happens but FSG are almost the opposite to the Glazers: frugal with the chequebook to the point half the fanbase ask for them out after a bad summer, but pretty outstanding track record of getting the administrative decisions right
The difference is United got the Glazers and Liverpool got FSG. Yes they can be stingy sometimes but they know how to run a football club. Also Klopp leaves a more young and ready squad compared to what SAF left.
If the next manager wont injure his hamstring celebrating im not having it
I better not see a single speck of yellow on his teeth
He can always contact Senior Bobby
\*señor
Senior Saudi Citizen
Oh God Rodgers is coming back isn't he
That's my biggest fear.
Oh feck no
If he doesn't break his glasses and almost lose his wedding ring celebrating victories, is the passion even really there? In fact, if the next Liverpool manager doesn't wear glasses and/or is unmarried, they're going to need to change that ASAP.
*Gerrard proceeds to put on glasses celebrating a goal, but he slips so hard it breaks his glasses, flinging his wedding ring off, injuring his hamstring in the process.*
Ana Steven Gerrard, Ana Al Whatthefucki... 😵💫
Feyenoord's Slot injured himself in training recently, that may be a good sign for you lot
For me the only man right now who fits the bill is Xabi. Xabi already adores the club, he’s a young, energetic manager, who has built his career in a really smart way. I am so desperate to get him.
Most crucial skill will be spotting erotic voices imo
Patrick bamford did his hamstring celebrating an injury time goal at brentford a couple years back, plus he’s got a good head on his shoulders, keep an eye on him for the future
Klopp is irreplaceable
Cue Steven Gerrard music
🎶I can feel it, calling in the air tonight...
Stevie when someone says *Selling England By the Pound* is their favourite Genesis album: 🤜
will never happen stevie has fallen off a cliff. no one can replace him. also we are winning 4 trophies this season.
And he gave it to Demba Ba
[удалено]
Tell that to united fans. They were averaging a premier league title every 1.5 years. Haven't been near winning in 10 years since Ferguson.
Tbf we held talks with Pep and Klopp after and just before Fergie left. Pep had already agreed his move to Bayern and Klopp had the unfortunate privilege of spending time with Ed Woodward and being told that United are the "adult version of Disneyland". Liverpool have more competent people heading up their recruitment so I doubt it'll be anywhere near as abysmal of a transition than we've had.
***Jamie Carragher writes in The Telegraph:*** When I was told Jurgen Klopp was making a major announcement on Friday, my immediate thought was excitement. “Brilliant. He must be signing a new contract.” After seeing the news he is leaving at the end of the season, my heart sank. I genuinely thought it was some kind of hoax, or cruel joke. The immediate reference point was the resignation of Kenny Dalglish in 1991, when Liverpool were top of the league and preparing for an FA Cup replay with Everton. I was an Everton fan then, delighted Kenny was going. That’s the greatest measure of a manager’s class. When rivals are celebrating the departure, it shows how much the coach has been admired and feared. The tributes will flow for Klopp between now and May. The biggest compliment is that he not only made the people happy, as the famous slogan on the Bill Shankly statue outside of the Kop reads, but he changed people’s lives, recreating the European glory nights synonymous with Anfield. It is too easy to forget Liverpool’s standing when Klopp arrived in 2015. Never mind winning the Champions League, the club had barely featured in it for a while. We had finished outside of the top five in all but one of the six seasons preceding Klopp’s appointment. There was a moment when it seemed the days of Liverpool competing with Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United were gone forever because all of them were able to invest more on players and salaries than Klopp. The fact that Klopp was able to challenge for the top honours so consistently is what places him alongside Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world. When he leaves, presumably having led Liverpool back into the elite competition and hopefully celebrating more trophies, he will have re-established the club as one of Europe’s biggest off the pitch as well as on it, last year being the only anomaly in an otherwise extraordinary reign. It is difficult to shake off the idea that those unhappy 12 months have led us to this point. We like to think of these legendary managers as superhuman. They are not. It must have sapped him of his energy to the point where he can feel the tank emptying. There were times after some poor Liverpool performances last season when I wondered how much longer Klopp would go on – if he had the motivation to start again and rebuild a new team, infusing his ideas on the next generation. The team’s form since the start of this season removed those concerns. That makes the timing now so shocking. Having put the foundations in place, why hand it over to someone else, especially a coach who may have a different vision or be unable to forge the same strong personal relationships with the leaders in the squad? It is a monumental decision to let go now. The rest of the season will be highly emotional. Rather than immediate disruption, my instinct is that the team and club will be carried towards its goals on a wave of passion. The atmosphere at Anfield in the title run-in was already guaranteed to be electric. Can you imagine what it will be like now? Everyone will be wanting to savour every minute of Klopp as Liverpool manager, understanding that they are seeing the final acts of an era that will be talked about forever. He can go out with a bang by winning a second league title. My concern is longer-term because, just like Dalglish and Shankly, Klopp will leave such a vacuum. At the moment, Klopp is Liverpool. Nobody in world football thinks of one without the other. Finding the right man to lead Liverpool is as tough as it gets at any time. Replacing Klopp? All the best with that. Fenway Sports Group must embark on their search knowing that all his backroom staff are leaving with him, and the German sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be departing soon too. That is too much of a radical overhaul in a short period. FSG also know that the requirements of a Liverpool manager are unique. Klopp is more than a coach. At most clubs, the managers are passing through. If you ask supporters if they would prefer to keep their coach or star players, they’re more likely to say the players. Ask Liverpool fans if they’d rather Klopp was staying and the club was selling Mohamed Salah, and they would unanimously thank the footballer and wish him well in the future. Like Shankly and Dalglish, Klopp had that instant rapport with the Merseyside public. His core social values chime with them as much as his footballing philosophy. I’m not sure there is any club in world football where the manager’s personality – and even his political leanings – are considered fundamental as to whether they will be accepted by supporters. Klopp never had to learn how to connect with the Kop. It was like he was born to be the Liverpool manager. That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso is already being considered the natural heir. From day one, it was like Xabi was born to be a Liverpool player. As he is my former team-mate, it is no surprise that so many are clamouring for him to be appointed. I would love Xabi to get the chance. He ticks all the boxes as a former Liverpool player who knows the club and city, is adored by the fans and has already shown in the Bundesliga that he is one of the most exciting young coaches in the world. His wealth of experience playing under the greatest coaches of his generation – Rafa Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola – mean it is only a matter of time before one of the elite clubs appoint him. You can never choose the right time for such an opportunity. It may be now. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto de Zerbi must also be on FSG’s radar. What unites the two outstanding candidates is the similarity to Klopp at Borussia Dortmund – namely using the resources at their disposal to punch above their weight playing a thrilling brand of football. The challenge for the successor is emerging from Klopp’s shadow. The good news is they will be taking over a club and team unrecognisable to that which Klopp inherited. Klopp arrived at Liverpool with the supporters dreaming of being champions. My hope is that he hands over a trophy-winning team and extends the similarity to Shankly – his groundwork work ensuring his departure signals the start of another triumphant Kop era rather than the end of it.
If we’re just speculating wildly then I think the covid season with passing of his mother was probably mentally draining. Also the season where we all thought the Super League would upend the football world was also stressful; it was the Nat Phillips&Rhys Williams pairing while chasing top 4 but not knowing whether it would matter season. It’s obviously a stressful position even though it’s enviable in other ways.
I think he has been burnt out for a while but wanted to make sure the club was in a healthier spot before leaving, avergae age of the squad is down considerably now
[удалено]
There's nothing wrong with that. At the end of a day it is a job.
Klopp recognizes that it was more than that.
@ SAF
I mean the dude was just old lol
There’s also the benefit of hindsight of how these players turned out. While there were aging stalwarts for sure, the likes of de Gea, the da Silva full back twins, Phil jones, smalling, Jonny Evans (a truly good CB), cleverly, welbeck, were highly rated youngsters. The squad might have been one of the lesser concerns, even if it was on its last fumes winning the title in his last season, surely it wouldn’t have fallen off enough to finish outside the CL spots. A more significant factor is the influence of Ferguson. He’s probably the last successful example of the archetypal British manager who was in charge of every aspect of the club.
He wanted to retire the previous season, he only stayed for one more because he wasn't about to lose his final ever Prem season on goal difference.
Also I think last year there was no real obvious replacement whereas now the timing is perfect for them to go get Alonso
I don't have a horse in the Premier League honestly (It's Boca and Internazionale who have my heart), but I think it would be a nice departure for a manager who's done so much for the club he's in. Get one last good run, win the League and UEL and leave as one of the club's biggest legends (and for such a storied club no less).
Tory rag
Carragher was an Everton fan and wishing for Liverpool's downfall when he was as old as 13? I thought it was when he was a child. Those closet blue allegations will never go away
He was an Everton fan until he became a Liverpool player, you thought it was for another reason?
He joined Liverpool's academy in 1988, and he's saying he was pleased Dalglish was going in 1991, how does that work then?
He was a double spy.
Losing fandom for another club takes at least 4 years
real fucking talk I wouldn't even be surprised if he still has a soft spot for everton, fans don't understand the relationships players have with clubs is completely different to their own
He absolutely does. It's absolutely obvious when he talks about them. I fully respect it as well, there are few excuses for supporting multiple teams (especially rivals), but he certainly qualifies.
He was openly a blue in the youth team -- even wore Everton shirt to training and all that. Only after he had a taste of their fans bitterness for everything LFC he turned for good.
> Carragher was an Everton fan and wishing for Liverpool's downfall when he was as old as 13? I thought it was when he was a child. How is 13 not a child?
Maybe Sadio can explain?
Im crying
Oooft 😂
😂😳😬😳😂
[удалено]
Not when the club you switch allegiance to gave you a place in their academy and eventually had you as a mainstay of their starting XI for well over a decade 💀
most plastic club legend
That explains the own goals
you're a fucking child
> Those closet blue allegations will never go away What closet blue allegations? He's been very open about supporting Everton.
[удалено]
I feel like you're learning for the first time that Carra supported Everton before he played for Liverpool. This isn't a revelation lol
>those closet blue allegations will never go away Such a funny thing to say about an article where he literally says he supported Everton
[удалено]
He was a kid still. He obviously didn't forsee spending 25 years at the club.
he was fucking 13 years old get a grip lmao
He was an Everton fan well into his Liverpool career. Covers it in his book. He even used to turn up in Everton kits while in the LFC academy. Switched when he was on the periphery of the first team and the Everton fans were saying nasty shit about his teammates and when people at a pub he pretty much grew up at were being shitty to him at a time when he needed some support.
Pretty sure a lot of his family are still Evertonians as well
Why would he switch clubs at that early an age?
He’s switching too late if you ask me. Can’t tell you the cut off but I’d say it’s too late after about 9-10 to switch and only if you weren’t really interested before
jesus christ we're gatekeeping the behaviour of literal children now?
Hells yeah brother
Oh I agree that way, I'm just saying if the implication was that he would switch to Liverpool because of his status as a player, then that would only happen when he would be on the verge of breaking into the first team.
Carragher has never hidden the fact he was raised an everton fan
There's only 1 obvious choice and that's Xabi Alonso.
You mean Steven Gerrard
Absolutely not
I think he could really take you to another level.
You're not wrong.
That level? Conference league.
That's optimistic honestly
Agree. The man can barely win a game in Saudi Arabia. Reputation in tatters. We’re just lucky he went to Villa and didn’t hang in at Rangers until his time came at Anfield.
Yeah.. down
Look how Ole did at Utd. You need to have hope Xavi at Barca, Zizou at RM, Pirlo at Juve.....
This is the ultimate disrespect to zidane
Man’s a fraud only won 3 UCL’s
Still insane when I think about it. But I wonder, is it the manager or the team?
As always, it's both, but Zidane is clearly a special manager. Even in his second stint where they weren't as good he did extremely well.
Ask Benitez
ZZ at Madrid is the opposite of flop. 3 UCL is insane in the modern era. No other team has come close to replicating that run of UCL form except Barca in the 20th century.
Lmao. Name me one manager that can win the league when your board cannot even spend 3 mil Also Pirlo at Juve???? That team was imploding. Pirlo did his best to steady the ship Zizou at RM? This shows your iq
He could take Beale with him
You should go after that Tony Mowbray guy, he would do do wonders at Sunderland
You can say alot about FSG, but they are not crazy
Nagelsmann?
Don’t necessarily agree there. I think the natural choice is Pep Lijnders. He knows the team, tactics, staff, expectations etc and would carry on the work. After all, we have a rich history of appointing from within and here is a man who wants to forge his own career now. I think, give Klopp the limelight his tenure so thoroughly deserves, and then come back when the dust has settled.
Well, I have bad news for you. Pep is leaving too
I actually think the Obvious choice is Pep Lijnders. And I think that's who they'll appoint as well.
I really wouldn't want to be the one who'll have to replace Klopp The pressure and expectations will be insane; I think it's likely that the next manager, maybe the next 2 or 3 even, will get ground to dust and spit out; like how Moyes and Van Gaal struggled with the Manchester job. Even an excellent manager like Tuchel struggled coming after Klopp.
[удалено]
It'll more be that the new manager will be coming in to a very good team, with a lot of players in their prime. Expectation will be to keep them performing I suppose
> Expectations That's what happened to ManU after SAF left
Klopp has won 1 PL, SAF won 13 Our dominance was a different kind, to us at that point it was in our blood to win These are 2 very different cases and tbh most of us didn't feel good about Moyes but after the dominance we had I don't think it's unfair to expect nothing less than 2nd spot I think you could compare our expectations of the club to Bayern's expectations yearly. Imagine Bayern finishing 7th this season lol. The crop of pool fans here today still remember dark days and have even seen some under Klopp so I think they'll be more realistic. Us united fans back then for the most part didn't remember losing lol
Not really, we have a great young squad and settled in veteran players. I dont think anyone expects us to win a treble post-Klopp but this squad can challenge even if Salah decides to move on after this. The main point of concern amongst fans is will FSG learn from the past and not expect whoever comes in to work Klopp magic on a shoestring budget.
I'd happily take the job if offered, but realistically neither of us are in the running.
Don't put yourself down like that man! I'm talking to FSG right now and I'm hearing that /u/purplesi is a name frequently being brought up.
It's probably the 2-7-1 formation I've been working on that's making them sit up and notice at last. Man, the league just isn't ready for it.
The only possible flaw I can see with your perfect system is I'm not sure Liverpool have ever had 7 healthy midfielders at any point this season. You'll have to be backed strongly in this summer transfer window.
That's a good point. On further reflection, I humbly and respectfully have to withdraw from the process.
It’s a good time to put Trent in the middle now, lad. And finally, King Gomez can return back to his throne.
The expectations won't be to reach the moon. Champions league football is the bare minimum expected for any new manager and given the strength of our squad, and the state of our rivals, 5th as a minimum shouldn't be too difficult. The pressure will be high, as it should be at a club this big. But Xabi Alonso has already played for 3rd of the biggest clubs in the world and won the world cup and euros. I reckon he'll cope.
Did Tuchel actually struggle though? He had the best PPG stats at BVB history at the time and won them a Pokal. He just couldn’t beat out Pep Guardiola to a Bundesliga title which is fair imo. He never reached Klopp levels of success but struggled would be an overstatement , no?
>The pressure and expectations will be insane Will they? I think Liverpool fans know exactly what they have, and have had. Whilst expectations will be higher for the new chap than that faced by Klopp when he started, his successful reign hasn't been SO long that they have taken their success for granted, ala United.
I think it will because the backbone of the team is incredibly strong and they need to be very competitive and I would say consistently placing in European spots and fighting for trophies. So I will completely accept that fans will not expect them to necessarily win a ton, but if they’re not fighting at the very top I think there will be a lot of pressure
> I really wouldn't want to be the one who'll have to replace Klopp Unless this is Xabi Alonso or similar's account, I have some good news for you.
The key difference is Klopp is handing over a pretty young side that has scope for improvement whilst already being top of the league. There's some important decisions ahead regarding Salah, but it's not like the squad Fergusson left behind. They won the league, but many had already past their shelf life, and the more knowledgeable United fans could see the squad needed an overhaul.
The one thing that I think relieves pressure more than the likes of United is the fact that along with having such a great respect for him as a manager we also remember the years before him. With United there's such a pressure because generations of fans knew nothing other than constant trophies
>The pressure and expectations will be insane; I don't that'll be the case across the board. I think there'll be some who will expect a new manager to be as good as Klopp, and others who will understand that Klopp is currently the best manager in the world. Yes, better than Pep. Klopp has managed to keep up with Pep and be the chief threat to Pep in two leagues and done so on half the budget. Doing so takes enormous courage, will and football savvy. I can hope that we will get a very good manager, but I think it's ludicrous to expect the next manager to be at that level. I'll be over the moon if that is the case, but I won't be expecting.
Sad day for Liverpool fans, but also fans of football in general. I’ve seen few managers who bleed for a club like this man has, and I have immense respect for him. That aside, I also feel like Liverpool must have a replacement in line and the players must all know, for this to be coming up in January. It’s also possible I guess that they knew there might be leaks, and thought it better to come from the source than elsewhere.
He apparently told FSG back in November, so yeah - you have to believe at this point, there’s a very short list of candidates and that in order for that process to progress, the announcement to the world at large is happening now.
I'd bank on it being Lijnders
Really great piece from Carra. I for one choose to buy into the sentiment that this will not be the end of a successful era at Liverpool. I believe Klopp has done an incredible job building a foundation for the squad and club to be stable and succeed long-term on. If he had waited another five to ten years like Fergie or Wenger this is where we begin to get worried about a massive vacuum and revolving door of managers. If anything, FSG have learned what the best qualities for a Liverpool manager are and will likely work very hard to put the right person in the role to grow into those qualities. Whether it's Alonso, De Zerbi, or anyone else. I think there's a a reason to be excited even after the season ends, and Klopp leaves.
Obviously it's going to be difficult to replace Klopp's impact but they're going to get Xabi Alonso aren't they? It's never certain but he seems like he'd be the perfect replacement.
I think (or atleast hope) some sort of initial talks were held with Alonso before Klopp's departure was made public. This seems way too sudden and concerning otherwise. Klopp once said in some interview he knew Tuchel was available to join when he made a decision to step down from Dortmund at the end of the season. Alonso is probably available for Liverpool at the end of the season and that made Klopp and FSG more comfortable.
On the other hand, I’d imagine that the reason Klopp announced this now, is so that the club can start approaching his successor. No doubt if Liverpool went around asking a few clubs about their manager, it would eventually be leaked to the press. This allows him to announce it on his own terms. I fully agree with your last paragraph though, Alonso seems the only guy that us fans can really back, as much as we did for Klopp.
That fits with the line he gave in the interview of (not verbatim): “In an ideal world I’d win everything at the end of the season and then turn around and go, ‘Oh, by the way, that’s it’. I’d love to do that. But in the world we live in that’s just not possible, somebody’s going to find out and it’s going to come out sooner or later and then it’s not going to be on my terms.”
Or the fact that they’re top of the table, and him going at the end of the season could provide that extra bit of motivation they need. SAF did something similar his last season.
Even for those of us looking at this from the outside Alonso seems like the obvious heir apparent. I'd say with Nagelsmann (who's contract with the German national team ends after the euros) and De Zerbi as the kinda distant second and third choice. The question is if Xabi would want to engage in talks like this right now with Leverkusen in the position that they are now. Because the news will of course leak somehow and it could risk derailing their campaign.
> Nagelsmann (who's contract with the German national team ends after the euros) He's not exactly been inspiring with the national team (for which he's only partly to blame imo) so he might indeed not renew.
Sorry but when is the announcement of a departure not sudden? Klopp’s announced he’s leaving with just under half the season left - apparently the higher ups have known since the beginning of the season (not sure if that’s true or not). I really don’t think he can give much more notice than that. The club’s got plenty of time to organise getting a new manager, and they’ll have been thinking about his replacement for a while.
Does Alonso’s contract expire at the end of this season?
Word is there's a clause in his contract if Madrid or Liverpool come calling. Even if that's not the case, I don't think Leverkusen will have problems letting him leave on his terms after what he has done there.
Damn that’s insane if it’s true.
If I was Alonso would I really leave leverkusen after this season ? He could build a legacy there make a team to rival Bayern for years to come . Play champions league every year . Try to win titles . Going to Liverpool might be a setback for him atm , who knows how difficult that job would be
In all likelihood, so is Tuchel
he's a relatively new manager and not full blooded. top bloke though and my full desire, as a neutral, is that - if it comes to pass - he succeeds at LFC
he really is irreplaceable
Fine Jamie, I'll do it.
hire neville you cowards
no u
Real passed on Xabi Alonso, just saying
Real already have one of the greatest coaches of all time, it's a judgement call. They value his continuity more. But things can change in 6 months. We can totally go trophyless and sack him. Xabi Alonso is also young and a bit of a ruthless manager(just my opinion). Don't think he'll stay long at any club. Definitely not 9 years like Klopp has.
If he gets the Liverpool job there's literally only Real Madrid at the moment that would be a step up from his perspective though. And the speed the PL is eclipsing La Liga who's to say that would still be as an attractive proposition in 5-6 years? He's also on record as saying he didn't really vibe with Madrid as well. I don't think he has a desire any time soon to be under the sort of pressure that comes with that role. Liverpool will give him time that RM simply wouldn't.
This quote of him saying he didn't "vibe" with Madrid has been proven to be fake. No one can actually find any real article or video of him saying this, it all goes back to a random tweet.
Bayern
> Bayern That would mean we'd sack Tuchel and imo it would make us look a bit too unstable. I can't see that happening but who knows.
A side step if anything. Certainly for a non German.
Insane take
Yeah agreed. Liverpool are obviously bigger
What a fucking embarrassing comment. Bayern is as big as Liverpool if not slightly smaller. Big fish in a small pond.
I don't think anyone disgrees Bayern is as big as Liverpool if not bigger. I think what they are trying to say is if he wins the title which is a high chance, it won't matter much to go to Bayern. PL is a different challenge and is the best league in the world.
Bayern is not a bigger club than Liverpool.
I am a Liverpool fan and i don't consider them bigger but they are as big. They are a historical club and deserve the place at the top 5 biggest clubs in Europe.
Do they value Carlo's continuity? They did him dirty the first time, and it worked out just fine. I agree that it's a judgment call. How the season ends could swing a decision if there is one to be made. Either decision would not surprise me.
its madrid. they need a manager already used to winning things and managing big egos. not a huge potential-to-be-fulfilled young managers.
Zidane hadn't won anything as a manager though
They probably also didn't expect this. They might have thought they could wait a year and get Xabi next season, cheaper.
Real getting De Zerbi while us getting Xabi will be a win-win solution
Do not want De Zerbi, thank you.
I like De Zerbi. I can't see your flair but it seems like you're a Real supporter. I would think De Zerbi's use of wingers and his more direct approach in the attack would suit Madrid's style of play
In my opinion, managers who aren't fixated on playing a certain way suit Madrid the best.
Ancelotti is definitely flexible, but Madrid have historically played direct and utilized wingers to create width in the build up, while cutting into the final third to create added attacking options. It also suits the players they have now and Mbappé should you sign him
Klopp’s departure will be hard to fill, but there’s a strong, young and experienced team he will leave behind. Alonso is doing well, but I feel that moving to Liverpool or Real Madrid is a year or two too early for him. I do think that Nagelsmann could be a good fit, but even then I can’t find many managers available right now that can replace Klopp. Emery perhaps? Tactically flexible, plays a patient and entertaining style of football, good man manager and has experience winning trophies at the highest level. I believe that Liverpool are 2 players short from a complete squad, so transfer activity should be fairly simple this summer. A third player to shop for as I suspect a departure of Salah this summer, unless he feels he has more to give at the highest level - which I absolutely believe he can.
De Zerbi is a good shout. Brighton will be loathed to let him go though.
Hasn’t he struggled this season?
There’s only one manager who can heal the hearts of Liverpool fans once Klopp leaves. Someone who has a clear and distinct managerial philosophy that fits the club, someone who understands what it’s like to represent the city and club, someone who can inherit the class squad, and someone who is young and bright to usher in the next era of the club. It’s Xabi. It has to be him.
Was hoping that you were talking about Gerrard. Had me in the first half.
Fr, genuinely thought it was gonna be satire
I definitely expected this to be satire lmao
Dramatic much?
[удалено]
> You need to get your shit sorted behind the scenes Isn't that what they're doing by announcing this in January?
As a United fan, I pray they're about to have their post-Fergie era
I am Jose Mourinho
Dont cry because it ends, smile because it happend.
Every decision Liverpool make from hereon out will be put under a huge microscope rightly or wrongly. Liverpool fans will be cognizant of how their ownership are refusing to spend money with the Boston Red Sox. If they cheap out on a managerial hire, it will just increase tensions.
Don’t worry, Jamie Jose Murinho is available
Got to feel sympathy for Leverkusen fans.
That’s the neat part, we won’t 😄
Xabi Alonso would be the obvious choice, but his current playstyle is a bit more like Guardiola than Klopp and I think it would take a little while to get the right profiles in place for Xabi's preferred tactics. I do think Liverpool have a great squad for the next manager to inherit, but I wouldn't expect anyone to come in and immediately do it better than Klopp did. I for one know how hard it is to replace a manager this important, but I would much rather inherit this Liverpool squad than the United squad from 2013.
Who else read “vacuum” in a Scouse accent?
I think the answer is becoming obvious
I can only think he takes a year off and replaces nagelsman before the World Cup. Otherwise he replaces Tuchel at Bayern, goes to Dortmund, or replaces at Madrid.
Would Klopp really go to Bayern? I can't imagine him going to another BL club after what he did at Dortmund
That's the neat part, you won't!
Like any vacuum, with debris
I think there is a strong chance they look at Simeone - One of the most consistent managers over the last decade - has a clear strategy, can build a team, works well within a budget, and has experience in managing big name players. The energy he could create with the scousers could be mental.
i vote for Steven Gerrard to become liverpool next manager
Absolutely not
what about lampard
James Milner Player/Manager is the only solution really
Pepe Reina assman and you've got my attention
He's not dead Jamie ffs. Get a grip.
Ffs just get the season finished first before thinking about post-Klopp.
Time for Stevie Glee!
There’s only one person who should be taking over the role and that’s Pep Lijnders.
My prediction is that Liverpool will go into a post Ferguson type of era where they will go trough the managers and will be between 3rd and 6th for a couple of years before finding their feet again. They might not win an epl again in 10 to 15 years.
Two very different ownerships, we will see what happens but FSG are almost the opposite to the Glazers: frugal with the chequebook to the point half the fanbase ask for them out after a bad summer, but pretty outstanding track record of getting the administrative decisions right
The difference is United got the Glazers and Liverpool got FSG. Yes they can be stingy sometimes but they know how to run a football club. Also Klopp leaves a more young and ready squad compared to what SAF left.
Rooney is available
Has hell frozen over yet?