Steven Gerrard has posted a heartfelt response on Instagram to Jürgen Klopp’s announcement that he will be stepping down as Liverpool FC boss this summer. The well-loved Klopp will have been at the helm for almost nine years when he calls it a day at the end of the campaign.
There are now rumors swirling around about who might take his place. Ex-star player Xabi Alonso is one potential candidate, given his sterling performance at Bayer Leverkusen recently. He’s led them to the top of the Bundesliga and recorded an impressive 64 per cent win rate during his tenure there, having arrived early last season with the club in the relegation zone.
Klopp previously mentioned another former Liverpool star, Steven Gerrard, as a possible successor. Back in 2021 when Gerrard was leading Aston Villa, Klopp praised his great work with Rangers and predicted a promising future for him in management.
When asked, Klopp said: “Oh yes I do, absolutely. The only thing is when is the right moment for that.” He added: “I think that Stevie is doing really well and he’s very young from a manager’s point of view so it’s just when is the right moment for him to take the job. Yes, I believe it will definitely happen and be good for everyone.”
Times have changed rather drastically since then, with Gerrard’s former midfield colleague Alonso shooting ahead of him in the pecking order. Indeed, Liverpool’s legendary captain is unlikely to be on the club’s list in any capacity; his successful stint with Rangers was followed by failure at Aston Villa, and now he is struggling with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.
Following the announcement of Klopp’s departure, Gerrard has a simple response. He reposted the official statement from Liverpool FC on Instagram, adding a red heart emoji. Bookies reckon Alonso is the top pick to take over from Klopp when he departs the club in May. The Bayer Leverkusen manager was coy when quizzed on the matter.
