Liverpool’s Klopp succession plan takes shape as ‘secret agreement’ emerges
Jurgen Klopp only signed an extended contract last April, but that is unlikely to prevent the Liverpool manager from being touted as the top candidate to succeed Hansi Flick as Germany manager.
Flick, 57, was axed by the German FA less than 24 hours after Saturday night's heavy 4-1 defeat against Japan. Rudi Voller will take the reins against France on Tuesday, but the focus will soon turn to appointing a new permanent boss.
Klopp is likely to feature prominently in the German FA's recruitment process, however, it remains to be seen whether or not he would leave Anfield. The German is contracted until the summer of 2026, but the opportunity to manage his country when they host the European Championships next summer could test his resolve.
Liverpool's succession plan for the day that Klopp does depart had seemingly been given a boost when Steven Gerrard landed a Premier League job back in November 2021. Unfortunately, though, Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa after just 11 months at the helm and is now managing in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq.
And with Gerrard now appearing out of the picture, one of his former Anfield teammates, Xabi Alonso has emerged as a coach who could fill the void left by Klopp in the future.
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Alonso, 41, has made a major impression in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen since taking over as the club's head coach back in 2022.
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Klopp is expected to attract interest from the German FA (Michael Regan/The FA)Alonso initially steered Leverkusen away from danger in the Bundesliga before then guiding them to the semi-finals of the Europa League last term. The Spaniard was rewarded with a new contract by the German outfit, meaning he is now tied to Leverkusen until 2026.
However, German outlet Bild, via GFNG, have claimed that Alonso's new contract includes a 'secret agreement' which enables Alonso to leave his current role without breaking contract if a suitable opportunity were to present itself.
Such a clause would aid Liverpool should they turn to Alonso when Klopp departs given their standing in the game. Intriguingly, the Anfield chief has a similar clause in his contract which means Liverpool will help facilitate a return to Germany when the time is right.
Klopp admitted earlier this summer that coaching his country would be an honour - but also reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool. He told told Sky Germany: "The job of national coach is and would be a great honour - there's no question about that. The problem that stands in the way of the whole thing is my loyalty.
"I can't just leave Liverpool now and say I'll take over Germany for a short time. That doesn't work and the request isn't even there. If I'm supposed to do that at some point, then I have to be available and I'm not currently. I have a responsibility towards the club.
"Basically, it's an interesting job. But I don't know yet whether I'll do something completely different after I leave Liverpool. I want to keep my options open."
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