Jurgen Klopp has made a surprise announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. Bookmakers are currently pricing his potential successor. Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is favored to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
Klopp shocked the footballing world last Friday morning when he announced his decision to leave Manchester United at the end of the season. The German has been in charge of Merseyside for nine years but admitted he “lacked energy” when explaining his decision. As the club look for their first new manager since 2015, attention is being paid to who will be Klopp’s successor.
The bookmakers’ favorite name to beat the 56-year-old won’t surprise many. old. Betfair have named former Reds midfielder Alonso as 5/4 favorite to return to Anfield. The Spaniard is currently in his first managerial role in Germany, where he is impressing with Bayer Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga. Klopp’s assistant Pep Linders is banking on him being available on March 1.
Leenders is set to leave Liverpool with Klopp at the end of the season, but betting tips suggest he could stay on Merseyside long-term. Next on the list is Reds legend Steven Gerrard. Gerrard made 709 appearances during his long and distinguished career with the Reds, winning the FA Cup and the Champions League. He is the third favorite in the 11/2 draft class.
Gerrard is currently in charge of Al Etifakh, Saudi Arabia, after being sacked by Aston Villa in October 2022 after 11 months in charge. He is joined by Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi at 15/2 and famous German coach Julian Nagelsmann at 9/1. Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is also listed at 14/1, while Jose Enrique, Luciano Spalletti (16/1), Diego Simeone and former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte are listed at 20/1.
Klopp officially confirmed his transfer in an emotional message via Liverpool’s official channels. He said: “I plan to leave the club at the end of the season. I understand that many people are shocked when they hear this for the first time. But I can explain it, or at least try to explain it.
“I love everything about this club, I love everything about this city, I love the team and the staff, but I’m still making a decision and I’m trying to show that this is the decision I have to make.” I just don’t have enough energy and now I’m fine. I’ve known for a while that I’d have to post about this at some point, but now I’m totally okay with it.
“Over the years we’ve spent together, over and over again, through our time together, I’ve gained respect, love and affection for you. I owe you the truth. It’s the truth.”Betfair’s Sam Rosbottom said: “Xabi Alonso is 5/4 to become Liverpool’s next manager following Jurgen Klopp’s shock decision to step down at the end of the season.
“Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga leader Alonso was followed by Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders on 1 March and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard on 2 November. Among the contenders for the place are Roberto De Zerbi 15/2 and Julian Nagelsmann 9/1.
