Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool reaction as Xabi Alonso favourite to replace him

Staggering price of tickets to Klopp's Anfield farewell

Liverpool fans are being offered the chance to sit right behind Jurgen Klopp for his final game at Anfield - if they are willing to splash out a bank-busting £25,000 for the privilege.

Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected

Prime tickets for Klopp’s emotional final bow in front of the Kop are already fetching a whopping £18,000 on one black market website - and with VAT and a hefty service fee lumped on top, the final bill comes to £24,480.

The seats are in Block L5 at the front of Anfield’s towering Main Stand, which are situated just behind the dugout. They are arguably the best in the house - but are sold by Liverpool for a face value of just £60. That means the resale website will bank a 40,700 percent profit.

There are cheaper resale seats available for the game against Wolves on May 19 - but they are all commanding fees close to £2,000 before tax and booking charges are added on.

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Van Dijk pays tribute

Virgil van Dijk has admitted that Jurgen Klopp's decision to stand down as Liverpool manager is tough take after he announced his exit on Friday morning.

The Anfield chief, who joined the club back in 2015, informed supporters that he would be leaving his role at the end of the season - just hours after he broke the news to his players in a private meeting.

Klopp's announcement has sent shockwaves through the Premier League and the Liverpool squad, who were said to be unaware of his decision. But while Van Dijk admits the news is difficult to process, he has called on the club to unite and give Klopp a send-off to remember by winning silverware.

In an interview with Liverpoolfc.com, the Reds captain said: "It's a hard one to take, because the manager means so much for us, to me, to the club, to the whole Premier League I think. But he made the decision for him and his family. It was always going to be a tough one and it was definitely the case.

"He told us in private of course, and all of us were together. Like I said, it's a hard one to take but our mindset is to focus on business. We have a lot of targets still to achieve this year and why not finish the season on a high and together with celebrations for the boss as well?"

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Liverpool transfer window winners & losers as £37m spent on Klopp's "great day"

(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool begin manager search

Now that the news of Klopp's departure is public, Liverpool will begin actively searching for their next manager.

According to the Athletic, the club have not yet approached any candidates due to concerns it could be leaked prior to Friday's announcement. However, that no longer matters.

The report adds that director of research Will Spearman has been conducting background work on potential candidates for the job and that club plans to appoint a new sporting director to replace Jorg Schmadtke before targeting Klopp's replacement.

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(PA)

Keane on Klopp

Roy Keane believes Jurgen Klopp has made the "right decision" in choosing to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

Klopp informed Liverpool chiefs of his decision back in November, before making it public yesterday and explaining that he was simply "running out of energy" to do the job to the best of his abilities.

And Keane has now given his thoughts on the news, admitting Klopp will be "sadly missed" and has been "brilliant for the Premier League". He told ITV: "I'm not really too concerned about the announcement, it's just I think it's sad he's leaving the game.

"I think he's been an amazing manager for Liverpool, a great character for the Premier League. But I think he's probably made the right decision if he thinks he needs to just have a break. He'll be sadly missed.

"I've enjoyed watching him and listening to him, I think he's been brilliant for the Premier League and no doubt he will be a huge loss. But I think he's made the right decision if he feels he needs that break."

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(Getty Images)

Klopp's days as a club manager may be over

While his announcement was indeed a seismic shock, there were confidantes of Jurgen Klopp who believed the summer of 2024 - when his previous contract was scheduled to end - was the time he would leave Liverpool.

And so it has proved. In an interview with after Liverpool’s title win in 2020, Klopp explained how - when he became Mainz manager in February, 2001 - he had given himself a target of “25 power years” in club management.

He might be just shy of that target but there is every chance his days as a club manager are done and dusted. There will be temptation put in his way, for sure. By the big clubs in Spain and Italy and by clubs in Klopp’s homeland.

But, at least privately, Klopp has always expressed an interest in the German national job, currently held by Julian Nagelsmann. He will manage Germany at some point in the future, you can be sure of that.

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(Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Klopp's decision to go public

Jurgen Klopp made the decision to go public with the news of his impending departure from Liverpool, having informed club chiefs of his decision in November.

Klopp made the shocking announcement on Friday, admitting he is "running out of energy" to manage Liverpool and that he intends to take a year away from football before considering his next steps.

And according to a report from the Athletic, it was Klopp who decided a public announcement should be made two months after he made the call to step down. The report states that he was keen to ensure that the players, staff and fans heard the news directly from him and that it did not leak to the media first.

"In an ideal world I wouldn't have said anything to anybody until the end of the season," Klopp explained in his interview with club media. "Win everything and then say goodbye, but that's not possible."

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Jurgen Klopp has explained his decision to leave Liverpool (Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Gallagher's parting shot

Manchester City supporter Liam Gallagher is delighted to see the back of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

His success has endeared him to Liverpool supporters, who were shocked by the news that he had decided to call time. But Klopp’s departure has received a very different reaction from fans of other clubs, including former Oasis frontman Gallagher, who is renowned for his vociferous support of City on social media.

Gallagher appeared on Radio X on Friday to speak about a collaboration between himself and Stone Roses guitarist John Squire. After talking to host Johnny Vaughan about their upcoming collaborative album, he was quizzed briefly on Klopp’s departure from Liverpool.

“Yeah good riddance man,” Gallagher shot back bluntly. Vaughan replied with: “Absolutely right. Spoken like a gentleman…” before Gallagher added: “I’ve got nothing, yeah, good riddance. See you later!”

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Liam Gallagher didn't hold back when asked about Jurgen Klopp (Radio X/Twitter)

Klopp's secret transfer agreement

When it comes to transfers in the Premier League, few have as impressive a track record as the one boasted by Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool in recent years.

Klopp has always had a big say in the comings and goings at Anfield and has rightly received plenty of plaudits for the impressive work in the summer transfer window that has propelled his refreshed team - dubbed Liverpool 2.0 - into title contention in what will be his final campaign.

As well as setting out specific criteria before signing any new players, Klopp revealed back in 2020 that there is an unwritten agreement with all new signings which demands that they give everything - and in turn, Klopp gives them everything he has back.

"When we have this agreement, everything was fine, everything was good, that's why we talked, that's why we signed you, but from now on I expect much more," Klopp previously revealed to Liverpool club media.

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp during a press conference at the AXA Training Centre, Liverpool. Klopp will stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season. The 56-year-old has informed the clubs ownership of his decision to stand down, having taken charge at Liverpool in 2015. Picture date: Friday January 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Carl Markham/PA Wire.

Carragher tips Alonso to replace Klopp

Jamie Carragher has tipped Xabi Alonso to take over from Jurgen Klopp when the Liverpool boss leaves in the summer.

Klopp announced his decision to leave his role with the Reds on Friday in a move that shocked the football world. The German will see out the season at Anfield, with his side top of the Premier League and chasing silverware in three cup competitions.

But once the campaign draws to a close, Klopp will quit, with a year still to run on his contract. Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan has confirmed the club will immediately start the process of finding a replacement.

And they have been given a head start in their search by Carragher, who has picked out Alonso as Klopp's perfect successor... continue reading

Jamie Carragher speaking on Sky Sports after Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool (Sky Sports)

Inside the day Klopp shook Liverpool

It was at 10.36am when Liverpool shook.

Jurgen Klopp would later joke about how only earthquakes could bring down the two newest stands which club owners FSG have funded at Anfield. But the red half of Merseyside was still feeling like they were on unsteady ground after the seismic announcement on the club’s X page earlier in the day.

A simple video and a simple message. Yet with huge ramifications. The end of Klopp’s stunning reign will come this summer. Not since Kenny Dalglish quit in 1991 has there been such a surprise around the manager’s position at Liverpool.

Full story here

(Getty Images)

Thanks for joining us

That's all for our live blog tonight - but, if you haven't yet had your fill of all the reaction to Jurgen Klopp's big news, don't worry.

We have loads more for you to read about the biggest story in football right now elsewhere on our website. And there will be lots more to come in the morning and over the course of the weekend, including from Liverpool's FA Cup clash with Norwich City at Anfield.

So we'll see you soon!

Klopp 'one of the best ever'

Daniel Farke thinks his fellow German Jurgen Klopp is one of the best managers football has ever seen.

The Leeds United boss said he was "quite emotional" when he heard the news. And he went on to wish his compatriot a "perfect end to the season" as a fitting way to say goodbye to Liverpool.

Farke said: "Jurgen is without any doubt one of the greatest managers this game has ever seen and one of the best coaches, a world-class coach that we have in our century, and he's even a better human being and he deserves all the praise."

Daniel Farke was 'quite emotional' to hear of Jurgen Klopp's impending Liverpool exit (Getty Images)

Klopp shares wife Ulla's reaction

Jurgen Klopp once credited his wife Ulla with convincing him to extend his stay in Liverpool. So how did she take it when he told her he was going to resign?

I had to explain it [to Ulla], of course I had to," the German said. "It was not like, 'Oh, thank God.' You must not misunderstand. Not at all. She asked me why and I explained it like I explain it now to you, with a few more maybe private details, but besides that it was pretty similar.

"And, obviously, Ulla wants me to do well and be fine, and when she realised that I'm really clear about that - and she knows I don’t take these kind of things lightly - she is happy for me, that I'm happy with the decision. Because that's the truth.

"When people tell me now all the different things we do in the moment and what's going well with the team and stuff like this, I enjoy it like crazy. But I enjoy it as well because I know I will not have to do it forever."

Jurgen Klopp's wife Ulla Sandrock (AFP/Getty Images)

Ex-Everton boss Silva reacts

Marco Silva may have once been at the other side of the Liverpool-Everton rivalry to Jurgen Klopp, but the Portuguese says they get along like a house on fire.

Now in charge of Fulham, he said: "A big surprise for all of us and no one expected it. Every moment of our lives has a start and an end. It's his decision. He has been there a long time, almost eight years, almost 500 games managing Liverpool.

"Let's see what will happen. He knows really because of the relationship we have, that I am always wishing him all the best. The job that he's been doing so far in his career speaks for itself. Really the impact that he made in the Bundesliga, with great success there, and the big, big change that has made since arriving at Liverpool. It's clear. The titles that he won.

"The club went a long period without winning the Premier League and he was the massive change there and all the credit is for him. His career speaks for itself. As a man, I only have very good words for him. He's always very respectful with everybody he faces. He's a really nice guy, a really good guy to have a football chat always."

Ex-Everton boss Marco Silva has reacted to news that Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool (Getty Images)

Reds legend Houghton hails 'phenomenal' Klopp

Ray Houghton has thanked Jurgen Klopp for giving Liverpool fans a sense of "pride" in their club again.

The Republic of Ireland international played 153 games for Liverpool between 1987 and 1992. Now aged 62, he phoned into BBC Radio 5 Live to pay tribute to the Reds' soon-to-be-departed gaffer.

"There was no sign whatsoever that he was going to make the decision that he's made and, obviously, it's absolutely huge," he said. What he's done for this club and his time being in charge, nothing short of phenomenal.

"To get them back winning the league, getting them to major finals, getting that pride back in the football club, the joy of playing for Liverpool. It's been absolutely incredible and the football they've played has been a joy to watch. It's going to be one hell of a pair of shoes to fill."

Ray Houghton (right) has thanked Jurgen Klopp for his work at Liverpool (PA)

Liverpool CEO reveals son's Klopp prediction

Given how much he means to them, most Liverpool fans would have hoped that Jurgen Klopp would manage them forever. Apparently, that feeling was shared by the son of the club's chief executive.

Billy Hogan revealed as much as he spoke to reporters in the aftermath of the announcement. "My son said he thought Jurgen would manage forever!" he said.

"I can understand the impact and the shock, we'll have the right time to look back and talk about his career, the ride we've been on, extraordinary. Leadership, charisma, him as a person."

Keane: 'It's the right call'

In typical Roy Keane style, the Manchester United legend said he was "not really too concerned about the announcement" that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool.

And he thinks the German has made the right call for himself if he is need of a break from the pressures of management. He told ITV: "I think he's been an amazing manager for Liverpool, a great character for the Premier League. But I think he's probably made the right decision if he thinks he needs to just have a break.

"He'll be sadly missed. I've enjoyed watching him and listening to him, I think he's been brilliant for the Premier League and no doubt he will be a huge loss. But I think he's made the right decision if he feels he needs that break."

Roy Keane was blunt in his assessment (Getty Images)

Poch's Klopp shock

Mauricio Pochettino admitted he was "in shock" after learning of Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down as Liverpool boss.

Poch was denied his first trophy in English football by Klopp when Tottenham lost the 2019 Champions League final. Now in charge at Chelsea, the Portuguese said: "I was doing some work before the game today and saw the news. I was in shock and I am sad. We will miss him.

"When we were sacked by Tottenham, the first message was from him. What he has done is amazing. It is sad news for people who love spectacular football. His first game at Liverpool was against us at White Hart Lane. He is a great man and a great coach. His charisma and capacity to manage is massive."

Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp have a good relationship (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Guardiola pays tribute

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to "incredible manager" Jurgen Klopp after he announced he will be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

Guardiola and Klopp have enjoyed a great rivalry over the years, dating back to their time in charge of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund respectively. They have faced each other a total of 29 times across all competitions, with Klopp winning on 12 occasions, Guardiola winning 11 times and six games ending in a draw.

And, speaking after of City's 1-0 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup fourth round tie, Guardiola was asked about Klopp's impending departure. He told ITV: "He's an incredible manager. I haven't got to know him closely, but he's an incredible person as well.

"I have a feeling when he leaves, part of Manchester City leaves. He's been our biggest rival, Liverpool in these years here and with Dortmund, he's been my biggest rival. He will be missed, I will miss him. I'm a little bit pleased, I'll sleep better, the nights before we play against Liverpool. But I wish him all the best. And he doesn't admit it, but he will be back."

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(AFP via Getty Images)

James on Klopp

LeBron James has heaped praise on Jurgen Klopp after his surprise announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Klopp is set to walk away from his role after nine years in charge, believing he is no longer the man to take the team forward after stating that he is "running out of energy". He could potentially step away from management for good - and he leaves with NBA superstar James singing his praises.

James, who owns a minority stake in the club having joined Fenway Sports Group (FSG), sent a message thanking the legendary manager. Posting on X, James wrote: "THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND MORE!! You are one helluva manager and you’ll never be forgotten and more importantly YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!! The Reds will miss you!!"

James has been a minority owner of Liverpool since 2011, being seen at a few games over the years, including the 2022 Champions League final in Paris - while mainly supporting the team from afar.

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(@KingJames / Twitter)

Klopp imposes 'ban'

Jurgen Klopp says he will refuse to answer any further questions about his departure from Liverpool for the rest of the season.

Klopp shocked the football world by announcing on Friday morning that he will step down as manager of the Reds at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The German boss has become synonymous with the club, having been in position as manager since October 2015 and won the Champions League and Premier League during his tenure.

Liverpool are still competing on four fronts this season, with a Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on the horizon and more matches in the FA Cup and Europa League to come, alongside their pursuit of the Premier League title. Klopp held a press conference on Friday afternoon to answer questions about his bombshell decision – and he was quick to draw a line in the sand about the decision.

Asked about his emotional state, he replied: "The relief was when I made the decision, I didn't expect that. Today it's mixed. I'm not as emotional as I will be when it comes to leave. Two important things I had to do was tell the owners of course, but the supporters and players.

"The reaction from the players was top, we know each other so long. I don't say things like that then walk away, I'm here. I'll answer 500,000 questions if you want today, but afterwards that's it."

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(PA)

Jordan shares Klopp conspiracy theory

Outspoken TalkSport co-host Simon Jordan believes 'something else is going on' behind the scenes to have prompted Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement that he will depart Liverpool.

The popular German boss has stunned his adoring supporters on Merseyside by revealing his intentions to step down at the end of the season. During his illustrious spell at Anfield, the 56-year-old transformed the club's fortunes - delivering a first Premier League title in 30 years, alongside Champions League triumph.

After landing six pieces of major silverware and securing his place in Kop folklore alongside Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, his ninth season in England will be his last, however. Now, former Premier League club chairman Jordan has now admitted that he is 'struggling' to understand Klopp's stunning call.

Addressing the decision to announce his impending departure at this point in the campaign, while the Reds are still fighting on four fronts, especially left the TalkSport figure baffled.

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(@talkSPORT/Twitter)

Klopp's stance on Liverpool U-turn

Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he will not change his mind and backtrack on his decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

Klopp made the shock announcement on Friday morning in a video message to fans before holding a press conference in the afternoon to answer questions. The German has been in position at Liverpool since taking over in October 2015 and is the longest-serving manager in the Premier League – and the third in the whole Football League.

During his press conference, Klopp was given the example of Sir Alex Ferguson, who U-turned on a decision to retire as Manchester United manager at the end of the 2001/02 season and ended up lasting until May 2013. "No. Alex Ferguson did that?" a surprised Klopp responded.

"No, nothing [will make me change my mind]. I respect Alex a lot and I don't know what drove him. I really thought a lot about it, and because of our relationship – mine with the club – the situation is always clear. I want everything this season and it wouldn't change my mind and if we don't win anything it wouldn't change my mind. It's a decision I made independent of any kind of results."

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(Getty Images)

Savage on Klopp

Jurgen Klopp will go down in Liverpool’s history as their greatest manager since Bill Shankly.

‌He built a Ferrari of a team on the pitch - and there’s no point in having a Ferrari if you are going to drive it like a Fiat Punto. Klopp drove his team like a Ferrari.

For me, the timing of his announcement is a bit strange, but after nine years in which he restored Liverpool to greatness on the pitch, who am I to question Klopp going out on his own terms?

‌Right now, they are in the running to win four trophies - Premier League title, Europa League, FA Cup and League Cup - and I think he will bow out with at least one of those pots as a parting gift.‌

To announce he is stepping down with Liverpool above Manchester City in the title race, after everything City have thrown at them in the last decade, is remarkable. And when history judges Klopp’s achievements, he will be up there with the great managers of the Premier League era.

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(James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)

Klopp's future plans

Jurgen Klopp has revealed he will take at least a year away from management after leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Klopp has announced he will be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season after more than eight years in charge, having admitted he is "running out of energy" to continue doing the job. As a result, the 56-year-old is planning to take a year's break from football before deciding what to do next.

Klopp told reporters: "I have never lived a (normal) life. That is true. Having three or four weeks in the summer was enough, but not any more. No club, no country for the next year, no other English club ever, I can promise that. Even if I have nothing to eat, it will not happen."

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Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

6 things spotted from Liverpool training

Liverpool's FA Cup tie against Norwich on Sunday has been overshadowed by the news that Jurgen Klopp will step down from his role at the end of the season.

Klopp announced the shock news on Friday morning via a video message, before speaking to the media in a press conference in the afternoon. Earlier in the day, he had led training as normal at the AXA Training Centre - except this session was not your normal run-of-the-mill session.

Klopp joked in his press conference that he would be happy to answer any questions anyone had about the fourth-round tie against the Canaries, but he knew that wouldn't be the focus. The news that Klopp will departure the club he joined in October 2015 at the end of the 2023/24 season sent shockwaves through the sport, yet his players had to get on with things as best they could on Friday.

Here are the things that Mirror Football noticed from the training session.

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Jurgen Klopp was all smiles as he came out onto the grass after telling his players the shock news (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Wagner on Klopp

Norwich boss David Wagner has admitted he is not surprised by the news that his close friend Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool.

Wagner was best man at Klopp's wedding and his Norwich side are due to take on Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday. "I wasn't surprised when he told me," Wagner said.

"I know how hard and how difficult for him this decision was and it shows a lot of personality, character and bravery. "We know how exhausting and how challenging the business can be."

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - JULY 20: David Wagner (R) manager of Huddersfield Town greets Juergen Klopp manager of Liverpool prior the Pre-Season Friendly match between Huddersfield Town and Liverpool at the Galpharm Stadium on July 20, 2016 in Huddersfield, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)

Klopp meets fans after bombshell announcement

Jurgen Klopp was all smiles as he stopped to speak with fans and sign autographs after announcing his decision to step down as Liverpool manager.

Jurgen Klopp stopped to give out autographs to fans after announcing he was leaving (Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

Klopp hits back at FSG claims

Jurgen Klopp has responded to claims from former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique that the club's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are to blame for his decision to step down as manager.

Enrique claimed in an interview with Sky Sports that Klopp was "tired" of FSG not backing him enough in the transfer market. "I think it has to do with the spending and the owners," Enrique said.

"I think he has got tired of it to keep fighting every single year to sign the players that he deserves in the team. I think he's just got tired of that. That's a personal opinion." However, Klopp has rubbished Enrique's claims, insisting FSG had "nothing to do" with his decision to leave Liverpool.

"I saw this morning, surprisingly, when it came out that Jose Enrique, who I like a lot and he obviously has a big Liverpool heart, say that whatever I say, it's still about FSG," Klopp told reporters. "I can tell you, Jose, it's not. Nothing to do with it."

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Jurgen Klopp has explained his decision to leave Liverpool (Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Lineker's Alonso warning

Gary Lineker believes Xabi Alonso is the "obvious replacement" for Jurgen Klopp, but has warned the impressive job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen means the Spaniard will have plenty of other suitors - including Bayern Munich.

"The obvious replacement, there could be a couple, is Xabi Alonso," Linker said on The Rest is Football podcast. "The job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen I imagine he will be in their thoughts.

"I think he will also be in the thoughts of other football clubs. He is very young in his managerial career, slightly inexperienced, but the job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen could attract clubs like Bayern Munich because things are not going so well for them.

"It will be interesting who they go for because they will need someone to follow in the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp which is a tremendously difficult thing to do."

Xabi Alonso is the current manager of Bayer Leverkusen