Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has announced that he will step down from the club's managerial post at the end of the ongoing 2023-24 season, according to a statement and video released by the club on Friday, January 26.
Citing a depletion of energy, the 56-year-old tactician acknowledged that he cannot consistently take on the demanding role season after season.
The German coach rejuvenated the renowned club, restoring Liverpool to being a European powerhouse after a phase of mediocrity preceding his tenure.
Klopp assumed the managerial responsibilities at Liverpool in October 2015, taking over from Brendan Rodgers two months into the 2015-16 season. He notably ended the club's eight-year trophy drought by clinching the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup titles in 2019.
Furthermore, Klopp steered Liverpool to their first league title in thirty years, securing the Premier League title in 2020, along with FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs in 2022.
When discussing his plans, Klopp made it clear that he does not plan to coach any club or country next season. He also firmly stated that joining another English club in the future is out of the question, regardless of any circumstances.
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3 Best Candidates To Replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool Manager
1. Julian Nagelsmann
The German tactician may find a chance at redemption with the Reds following a less-than-impressive tenure at Bayern Munich lasting less than two seasons, despite the club performing well statistically.
Nagelsmann, currently on a short-term contract coaching the German national football team until the conclusion of the UEFA Euro 2024, remains tactically adept and could seamlessly carry on Klopp's commendable work.
Before joining Bayern, he was among the most sought-after managers in world football, and the German powerhouse made a noteworthy investment by paying a world-record $27.1 million as a coaching transfer fee to acquire him from his former club RB Leipzig in 2021.
2. Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian manager has proven to be a standout figure at Brighton & Hove Albion FC, showcasing an attacking style of football and making notable strides in recruitment.
Under his leadership, the Seagulls secured qualification for the Europa League last season and emerged as strong contenders for a coveted Champions League spot.
Brighton notched the top spot this season in a Europa League group that included experienced teams such as Marseille and Ajax. The club also maintains a competitive position in the Premier League, currently in seventh place.
3. Xabi Alonso
Arguably the strongest candidate on the field, Alonso is a Liverpool club legend as a player, seeing action for the Reds as a midfielder from 2004 to 2009.
The Spanish manager has done wonders in his current job at German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen, where they currently sit at the top of the Bundesliga and remain unbeaten, with a chance to dethrone Bayern Munich for the league title after 12 years.
Alonso might face a challenging decision in the summer. Real Madrid, another powerhouse and one of his former clubs, has also expressed interest in him as their potential next coach.
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