LIVERPOOL will begin the search for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp’s shock announcement.
The German – who joined the club in 2015, replacing Brendan Rodgers – has informed the club’s owners he plans to step down from the role at the end of the season.
Follow the latest developments from Klopp’s bombshell statement
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Klopp has won the Premier League and Champions League in his time at Anfield and is currently in the race for all four trophies this season.
Klopp’s announcement to stand down will put clubs across the world on alert, as well as many potential suitors who the Reds could likely turn to to replace him.
Bookmakers Betfair make former midfielder Xabi Alonso the early 13/8 favourite to return to Anfield as manager to replace Jurgen Klopp.
He’s one many Liverpool fans will be crying out for as he gets set to take his next step in management.
His spell as Leverkusen boss couldn’t be any more impressive as they sit four points clear of Bayern at the top of the Bundesliga, scoring 50 goals in 18 games.
They won all six of their Europa League games too, meaning an 88.8% win percentage in all competitions this year.
And Leverkusen became the first side in German football history to stay unbeaten after the first 25 games of a campaign across all competitions.
Next Liverpool manager odds
Betfair odds
- Xabi Alonso 13/8
- Pep Lijnders 3/1
- Steven Gerrard 11/2
- Roberto De Zerbi 15/2
- Julian Nagelsmann 9/1
- Ange Postecoglou 14/1
- Luis Enrique 14/1
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The style of football has been the most exciting part and the 42-year-old has worked his way through the Real Madrid and Real Sociedad academies to learn his craft.
Klopp’s current No2 Pep Ljinders is 3/1 to step up into the hotseat.
Lijnders has deputised previously in Klopp’s absence, most notably in League Cup outings and is a well-respected coach having worked under Rodgers too.
His only spell in management didn’t quite go to plan when dismissed by Dutch side NEC having failed to gain promotion from the second tier.
Anfield legend Steven Gerrard (11/2) was always talked about as the man who’d eventually replace Klopp, particularly after his spell in Glasgow.
Gerrard’s heroics to topple Celtic as Rangers manager saw him swiftly move back south of the border and to Aston Villa, where he failed to live up to expectations.
He’s now in Saudi Arabia and recently penned a new contract to remain at Al-Ettifaq but his dream has always been to be the Liverpool boss.
Robert De Zerbi (15/2) is in the same category as Alonso when it comes to entertaining, attacking football and will be another popular choice, ahead of Julian Nagelsmann at 9/1.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is another who plays attractive football and he’s next in the list alongside Luis Enrique at 14/1.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
