Liverpool is facing the task that it wanted to put off for as long as possible: finding a replacement for one of the best managers there has ever been in Jürgen Klopp. The German will leave behind a massive hole.
Klopp’s announcement of his departure from Liverpool at the end of the season has inevitably sparked speculation about his successor. One name that was previously considered as a potential replacement was Pep Lijnders, Klopp’s trusted assistant. However, Lijnders has ruled himself out of contention by confirming at the same time that he will also be leaving the club this summer to pursue head coaching opportunities elsewhere.
Lijnders has been an integral part of Klopp’s coaching staff since 2015, initially arriving a year before and staying with the club even after Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers. He briefly left Liverpool to take charge at NEC Nijmegen in his homeland but returned to Anfield after an unsuccessful spell. In April 2022, Lijnders signed a new deal with Klopp, indicating his commitment to the German and the club.
The departure of Lijnders, along with fellow assistant Peter Krawietz and elite development coach Vitor Matos, will leave a significant void in Klopp’s backroom staff. And this will be the first time in almost a decade that Liverpool will have to search for a new manager, highlighting the stability and longevity of Klopp’s tenure.
As Liverpool begins their search for a new manager, one name that has emerged as a frontrunner is Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen. Alonso, a former Liverpool player who won the Champions League at Anfield, has enjoyed success with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and has a strong connection to the club. However, Reds chief Billy Hogan was unwilling to put a timeframe on when a successor will be named.
Liverpool’s American owners will need to carefully consider its options and make a wise appointment to ensure a smooth transition from Klopp’s era. The managerial decision will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the club and maintaining its competitive edge in domestic and European competitions.
