Five managers who could replace Klopp in a shock to Liverpool's announced departure
LIVERPOOL have been rocked by news of Jurgen Klopp's impending departure – with five managers vying to replace the German.
The iconic Kop boss delivered the surprising news on Friday morning that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.
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He said: “I can understand it being a shock to a lot of people at the moment, hearing it for the first time.
'But of course I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff.
“I love everything. But the fact that I'm still making this decision shows that I'm convinced that this is the decision I have to make.
“It's that I'm, how should I put it, almost running out energy.
“I don't have a problem with it now, of course I knew for some time that I would have to announce it at some point, but I'm doing absolutely fine now.
“I know I can't do the job again and again and again and again.
“After all the years we've had together and all the time we've spent together and all the things we've been through together.
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“Respect grew for you, love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
Reds fans around the world are now wondering who will fill the void Klopp will leave in the Anfield dugout.
And SunSport is ready with the five eye-catching candidates to succeed the club's soon-to-be former legendary manager.
Xabi Alonso
The former Reds midfielder is the favorite to replace Klopp after a season and a half in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso has a 64 percent winning percentage for the Bundesliga side, which he guided to a sixth-place finish and the Europa League. football last season.
Getting the Basque boss won't be a problem as Leverkusen has included a clause in his contract, which expires in the summer of 2026, that will allow him to leave at the end of the season if the Merseysiders come calling.
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Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian has been a revelation for Brighton since his replacement Graham Potter at the Amex in September 2022.
Brighton finished in sixth place last season, just five points behind Liverpool.
The Seagulls will undoubtedly fight tooth and nail to keep De Zerbi on the south coast.
But they will ultimately be powerless to stop him from joining the Merseysiders when they come calling and he expresses a wish to leave.
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Jose Mourinho
The former Chelsea And Manchester United boss is currently a free agent after being sacked by Italian giants Roma this month.
Mourinho has had a fiery period history at the club in the past, but he would be the perfect man to bring in if the Reds top brass want to bring in a big-name manager.
However, Liverpool would likely face competition for the services of Saudi Pro League team Al-Shabab, who are reportedly in talks to appoint the Portuguese as their new manager.
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Unai Emery
The Spaniard has recovered well from a disastrous spell at Arsenal at Villa Park.
Emery guided Aston Villa to a seventh-place finish last season, a feat they are on track to achieve as they currently sit fourth in the Premier League.
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Steven Gerrard
The Reds icon is touted as one future manager of the club since he retired from playing boots.
However, his ill-fated spell at Aston Villa could hold the club back from an emotional return to Anfield as manager.
And also the first England man has just signed a new contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
Stranger things however, have happened in the beautiful game.
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