26 January 2024 , 11:39
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Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season, he has revealed in a bombshell announcement.
The German will depart Anfield after a glittering spell with the Reds since taking the reins from Brendan Rodgers during the 2015/16 campaign. He will leave the club having claimed the Champions League, the club’s first Premier League title, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Club World Cup.
Klopp still has time to add to that hugely impressive trophy cabinet during his remaining time with Liverpool. However, work will now be starting on identifying his successor.
Take a look at who could be in the running here...
Xabi Alonso
The most obvious candidate for the imminent vacant post at Anfield, Alonso is already a hugely popular figure at Anfield. He enjoyed a standout spell with the Reds as a player before departing for Real Madrid.
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The Spaniard has never lost that affection for Liverpool. He has constantly been linked with returning to Merseyside - even more as he continues to impress with German side Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso reportedly has a release clause written into his current contract with the current Bundesliga table-toppers so a deal looks relatively easy to do.
Xabi Alonso seems an obvious candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp (Getty Images)Who do you think would be a good replacement for Jurgen Klopp? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Roberto De Zerbi
Should Liverpool want to look slightly closer to home, they might look to the AMEX Stadium for inspiration. Since being appointed as Brighton boss, Italian coach Roberto De Zerbi has earned plenty of plaudits.
His attractive style of play saw him lead the Seagulls into Europe, where his side continue to impress. Brighton won’t make it easy for Liverpool to poach him though and are likely to put a huge price on De Zerbi.
Graham Potter
From a current Brighton boss to another, Graham Potter could be a surprise candidate for the Reds. Much like De Zerbi, he impressed hugely during his time with the Seagulls.
That convinced Chelsea to move for his services in their search for Thomas Tuchel’s replacement. It didn’t quite go to plan for Potter at Stamford Bridge.
He was jettisoned by Todd Boehly after just a few months but he remains a very talented coach, albeit out of work. Potter also has admirers at Manchester United - specifically Jim Ratcliffe - so the Reds might have to move quickly if they want to secure his signature.
Graham Potter is still out of work after his spell with Chelsea (Getty Images)Hansi Flick
With Klopp having enjoyed plenty of success at Anfield, the Reds might want to move for one of his compatriots in the form of Hansi Flick. The 65-year-old enjoyed a lot of success during his time with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
He led the club to two league titles, the Champions League, the German Cup and numerous other trophies. A move to the German national side was next for Flick but he wasn’t quite able to have the impact he desired.
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He has been out of work since September 2023 so would be available to sign straight away should Liverpool want to move for him.
Zinedine Zidane
Speaking of serial winners, French coach Zinedine Zidane certainly fits into that category. His only managerial spells have seen him take over Real Madrid but he has enjoyed plenty of success over those two stints.
Zidane won two La Liga titles and three Champions League titles with Los Blancos in a glittering stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. He has been out of work since 2021.
Zinedine Zidane enjoyed plenty of success with Real Madrid (Getty Images)Jose Mourinho
A slightly rogue choice given his Manchester United links and penchant for leaving chaos behind him, Jose Mourinho is also out of work and could be snapped up right away. The Portuguese brings trophies - his long list of achievements with Porto, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Roma all proving that.
He was sacked by the Italian side only recently after a frustrating third season in Serie A. Away from Liverpool, Mourinho looks more likely to move to Saudi Arabia instead.