In an interview with TV show host Dick Cavett in 1971, George Harrison expressed his relief about The Beatles’ separating. “That’s what happened, and it was good, but it was also good to carry on [and] do something else. In fact, it was a relief,” he said. Harrison was discussing the meaning of his song, “All Things Must Pass”.
I’m not suggesting Jurgen Klopp will see the end of his Liverpool tenure as a relief, more that all things must pass and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sir Alex Ferguson had to retire eventually, Arsene Wenger likewise, it’s the management of the transition which is vitally important.
Klopp is leaving Liverpool in much better condition than when he arrived in 2015, and much better condition than 12 months ago when an aging squad looked bereft of ideas. His Liverpool v2.0 has seen Klopp & Jörg Schmadtke reload the squad during the Summer of 2023 from a position of strength, rather than undertake a rebuild of a poor one.
Klopp has referenced fatigue and an increasingly dominant role within the club when explaining his reasons for departing at the end of the season. The last few seasons has seen the departure of Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and Jörg Schmadtke from the position of Sporting Director. The increasing dominance of Klopp within the club will have led to changes in the remit of the Sporting Director. I can’t help but wonder if the owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), had been firmer with Klopp about the amount of responsibility he was taking on, then Klopp might not be feeling the need to leave due to fatigue.
Klopp revealed he informed FSG of his decision in November, but the search for a replacement has yet to begin. The club were reluctant to start making enquiries about potential candidates as it would make others aware of Klopp’s impending departure. James Pearce of the Athletic believed the owners were hoping Klopp would change his mind, but this has not come to pass.
Klopp’s Replacement
The instant favourite for the vacancy is Xabi Alonso. The ex-LFC midfielder is Head Coach with Bayer Leverkusen and they currently sit atop the German Bundesliga, yet to suffer a league defeat.
Alonso already has an excellent rapport with the Liverpool fans having played a fundamental part in the 2005 Champions League victory. Alonso was the metronome within Rafa Benitez’s side, dictating play with a variety of short and long passes, the Point Guard/Quarter Back feeding team mates around him. His Bayer Leverkusen side play a very attractive style of short passing & possession based football, slightly in contrast to Klopp’s heavy metal football, but the current Liverpool squad have the technical ability to adapt to Alonso’s preferred style of play.
Alonso plays a 3-4-3 system with Bayer Leverkusen, and I could see this formation ideally suiting the current Liverpool squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold & Andy Robertson were an integral part of Klopp’s first Liverpool incarnation, both have elite level fitness and delivery from wide areas, and both would slot into wing back roles with ease. Both would also benefit from the defensive support offered by an additional centre back behind them. Alexander-Arnold has thrived in his new half-back role, but his skill set deployed in an attacking wing back role could be devastating.
Virgil van Dijk would be ideally suited to the Libero role in the middle of three centre backs. He has the technical ability to step into midfield with the ball to start attacks or provide additional support for the two central midfielders, but he can also drop behind the two man marking centre backs in a sweeper role as and when required. His ability to read the game, coupled with his passing range, would fit this role perfectly. Joel Matip would also suit this role, but his contract expires this Summer. Playing alongside two other centre backs could also prolong the careers of both players.
Liverpool invested in midfield reinforcements during the Summer of 2023, which would provide plenty of cover for the two central roles with Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch & Wataru Endo. Endo can also play centre back which provides further adaptability & flexibility. Thiago Alacantara would be ideally suited to a Xavi Alonso style of football, but he’s probably leaving in the Summer. Stefan Bajcetic will also return from fitness at some stage.
A front three would remain similar to the current system, but resolving Mohamed Salah’s future would be one of the top priorities for the new Manager. The attacking prowess currently at Liverpool is blistering and any new Manager would surely be salivating over the weapons at his disposal.
Roberto de Zerbi is another name heavily linked with Liverpool. I think he would be a popular appointment with fans based upon the aesthetically pleasing style of play he prefers, which has also provided fantastic results for Brighton & Hove Albion. His BHA side are one of the most enjoyable sides to watch in the Premier League, and his style of play would also be suited to European football.
It’s very likely Liverpool will be competing in the Champions League again next season. Liverpool currently sit atop of the Premier League and have qualified for the latter stages of the Europa League which also provides a Champions League spot. The current squad, the history of the club, and access to Europe’s premier competition should all make Liverpool FC a favoured destination for any potential Manager, but who will be brave enough to follow Jurgen Klopp? David Moyes & Unai Emery may have a few words of advice for anyone considering the role.