Xabi Alonso Among Candidates to Replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy.” - Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp has announced that he will be leaving Liverpool FC at the end of this season. An official statement from Liverpool reveals that he had asked to leave as soon as this season ends.

Liverpool FC’s official media released an interview in which Jurgen Klopp heartfeltly stated; “For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about.”

The Jurgen Klopp press conference further stated; We are Liverpool, we went through harder things together. And you went through harder things before me. Let’s make a strength of it.”

A message to Liverpool supporters from Jürgen Klopp. pic.twitter.com/l7rtmxgOzt

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2024

As the Liverpool hot seat becomes available from next season on, speculation will flare on which manager will take over the Scousers next. Klopp’s departure could be a turning point for Liverpool FC after having built up such a huge influence and tactics policy.

The Reds manager will have an opportunity to leave on a high as Liverpool will face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on the 25th February, and the Premier League is still to play for.

Xabi Alonso of Leverkusen had done wonders in the Bundesliga, currently sitting top of the table four points clear of frequent champions Bayern Munich. The Spaniard also played for Liverpool back in 2004 to 2009. 

As the former midfielder keeps Liverpool close to his heart, it could be a decision of two as fellow former club Real Madrid will also be looking to acquire his services.

Some of the other top names potentially in the hat for the Liverpool job include Frank Lampard, Graham Potter, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Hansi Flick, Antonio Conte, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto De Zerbi,  and Jose Mourinho.

The German amassed a win rate of 60.7%, with a total of 466 games managed for Liverpool, and 283 matches won. 

Klopp had also recorded one of the longest winning runs in Premier League history, sitting joint top with 18 - only equal to his rival Pep Guardiola.

He had won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2018 and 2022, the Premier League in 2020, ending the Scouser’s 30-year wait for a Prem title. In addition to this, he had guided the Reds to a final this season after beating Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi final.

The top four in the English Premier League since Jürgen Klopp's first game in the competition (October 17th 2015)

A very wide choice of football teams are on paper for the German mastermind. Even during his stints with Mainz and Dortmund, he was a coach in demand. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other big names could be considering an approach.

The Bayern Munich coach position could also be a viable option fr Klopp to return to his homeland of Germany.

“The national coach job is and would be a great honor - that is completely out of the question.” Klopp had admitted last July.

A job at the helm of the German national side could also be a huge incentive to cap off a highly decorated career for Jurgen.

Back in 2019, Jurgen Klopp could have taken the mantle at Manchester United, but was convinced otherwise by his wife. With Erik Ten Hag’s possible sacking on the horizon, it could fall into place all too conveniently.

Perhaps the moment has come to challenge and not listen to his wife this time - even a move to Manchester United could be on the cards for Jurgen Klopp’s next job…

Potentially, Klopp’s last match could fall onto the closing Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton at Anfield, on the 19th of May. However, this is only if the Reds fail to reach the Europa League final, or the FA Cup final.

Should Klopp lead his men to the Europa League final in Dublin, Ireland, May 22nd would be his final match. 

But if they reach the FA Cup final, the 25th would be Klopp’s last day of service to the Scousers.