With the devastating news of Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season, the Reds will have to continue with "Liverpool 2.0" without their figurehead: Jurgen Klopp. The German has been nothing short of transformative since he joined the club in 2015.
The news has not only shocked Liverpool fans, but football fans all over the world with the German mentioning the toll that the Liverpool job has taken on him over the years "It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now."
The 56-year-old has won it all with the club, all but a Europa League, of which he has a chance of winning in his final season. It is looking to be an exciting finale for Jurgen Klopp with the Reds fighting on all fronts with a potential quadruple on the cards.
Jurgen Klopp has been the right man since day one and has built an eternal bond with the Liverpool fans as many were left heartbroken by the news released by the club. However, stakeholders of the club were well informed of Klopp's decision before the announcement which makes for an interesting delve into who will be the next manager.
The one name on most Liverpool fans' lips is Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard enjoyed a fantastic spell at the club from 2004-2009 where he won the Champions League and the FA Cup. The 42-year-old is now managing German giants Bayer Leverkusen and has steered them to the top of the Bundesliga. An exciting brand of football that includes a mix of possession and gegenpressing that Jurgen Klopp introduced 9 years ago; Alonso's side are yet to lose a game in all competitions this season.
Bayer Levekusen are top of the league and are second top scorers in the league and are enjoying a very impressive 59.4% average ball possession in the Bundesliga, compared to the Reds who have 61.1%. Die Werkself also score on average 2.2 goals per 90 and are known to be very free-scoring.
The Spaniard has spoken about his love for Liverpool in previous interviews "They understand and live football. You can see in the UCL what a force the stadium is (Anfield). When you have played for Liverpool you become so attached." The 42-year-old is a clear candidate for the job but the lack of experience at the top level could see the Liverpool hierarchy look elsewhere.
Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi is a potential candidate with the Seagulls playing excellent football after finishing in a Europa League qualifying spot last season. Brighton haven't been as successful this campaign but playing in Europe with limited resources is always a difficult task.
The Seagulls also play high-possession football with the idea of counter-attack opponents who keep more of the ball than them. Brighton have an average possession of 61.6% which is marginally higher than Jurgen Klopp's Reds. However, again, the lack of trophies could deter Liverpool from employing the Italian.
There will be many top managers licking their lips to take the reigns from Jurgen Klopp in the summer. However, it is clear that there will be no one like the German and the 57-year-old still has unfinished business this season and it could be one to remember that could yet be the perfect send-off for the perfect manager.
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