“Can see him as a natural fit”

Liverpool may quickly begin on the lookout for a substitute for Jurgen Klopp, with the tactician’s present contract set to run out in the summertime of 2024. Phil Thompson, who represented the Reds between 1971 and 1985, believes membership legend Steven Gerrard can be the proper choice to take over from the German tactician at Anfield.

Steven Gerrard has boosted his managerial profession considerably over the past couple of years. The tactician began with an honest stint with Liverpool’s youth staff adopted by a spell with Rangers, and now could be with Aston Villa.

After watching the legendary midfielder’s progress in latest instances, Phil Thompson believes he is bought what it takes to be Jurgen Klopp’s successor.

“I feel he can be [a big draw] and you’ll see him as a pure match. Clearly, you’ve got to earn the appropriate,” the Englishman instructed The ECHO when requested about Gerrard’s suitability.

“Clearly Jurgen was at Mainz, was at Dortmund, after which got here by way of. Steven has gone in at Rangers, which is an enormous membership. Then he has gone to Villa, and you’ll see the adjustments that he has accomplished, bringing within the gamers that he has accomplished.

“[The signing of] Philippe Coutinho is as a result of it’s Steven Gerrard. Gamers will at all times wish to come and play for him, which can be an enormous draw at Liverpool,” he added.

In the meantime, Liverpool’s present assistant supervisor Pepijn Lijnders can be one of many names who could possibly be appointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Whereas Steven Gerrard stays Phil Thompson’s final option to get the nod, the Englishman believes Lijnders should not be discounted within the race for the job.

“He shouldn’t be discounted when [Klopp’s departure] occurs,” the 68-year-old mentioned.

“Sure, if Steven comes I’d be delighted, but when Pep Lijnders was to take it then he would get Jurgen’s blessing. I’d try this since you see he has bought that fiery character the way in which Jurgen may be. He’s additionally an excellent coach,” he added.

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Jurgen Klopp’s file as Liverpool supervisor

Klopp was appointed because the Reds supervisor in the summertime of 2015, coming in as a substitute for Brendan Rodgers. Since taking cost of affairs at Anfield, Klopp has managed 363 matches throughout all competitions, recording 226 victories, 75 attracts and 62 defeats to his identify.

He has additionally led the membership to a number of trophies, together with one Champions League crown, one Premier League title and one EFL Cup, amongst others. It stays to be seen what number of extra honors he’ll add to his cupboard earlier than slicing his ties with the English giants.

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