Life after Klopp: Who's next?

Jurgen Klopp has well and truly delivered in his promise of bringing back the good times to the club.

On 9th October 2015, Jurgen Klopp arrived on the Anfield turf, surrounded by photographers and declared himself ‘The Normal One’.

He agreed on terms with Liverpool, with many speaking it into existence years before about what a perfect match he would be for both the club and the city.

During his first press conference as Liverpool manager, he outlined his plan to turn the faithful Anfield fans from ‘Doubters to Believers‘.

"Please give us time to do the work but when I sit here in four years, I think we may have one title," Klopp told the media, from TalkSport.

Almost five years on, Klopp has done pretty well at delivering that promise.

The Reds are currently sitting on the throne of the ‘world champions’ and are almost certain to lift their first Premier League in 30 years.

Here we look at three managerial options that could potentially take the challenging job of replacing the German.

Pep Lijnders

Lijnders began his managerial career back in 2002, assisting with youth development for Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven.

He made the move to Merseyside to originally be part of Brendan Rodgers backroom team.

After meeting with Lijnders, Klopp was keen to keep the Dutchman as part of his new setup at Anfield.

Ever since he has been a key part of the management team and he will have learnt a great deal from the German leader.

Pep Lijnders appears to be one of the most popular shouts amongst red fans, to eventually replace Klopp as first-team boss.

Klopp’s faith in him is providing fans with a sense of optimism for the future progression of the Dutchman.

What will be a huge advantage should he put himself forward for the job, whenever that may be, will be the hours spent already working under Klopp.

Speaking to The Echo, Ljinders was quoted: “Jurgen listens to my plans. We always talk everything through - preparing each detail in each game moment. Jurgen knows so well what he wants but is someone who believes in cooperation.

The strategic planning, the hours of video analysis alongside Klopp will certainly add to the Dutchman's experience.

Nonetheless, Pep Lijnders lack of professional experience as a first-team manager may be a concern for the board.

Steven Gerrard

A suggestion that was inevitable once the Liverpool legend commenced his managerial career, is when he would return to the club as manager.

In February 2017, Gerrard returned to Merseyside to join the U18’s coaching staff after announcing an end to his professional playing career.

It didn't take long for Gerrard to become the manager of the U18's, being named boss just a couple of months into his spell.

Gerrard soon went on to be given the chance to manage a professional first team, with Scottish giants Rangers.

He has impressed with his man-management skills at Rangers and it didn't take long for the faithful Glaswegian fans to take an admiration for Gerrard.

What the board must be cautious of is employing Gerrard too early on in his managerial career.

Growing up in the city and playing all of his Premier League career at the reds, Gerrard knows the club and city inside out.

The passion Gerrard has for Liverpool is second to none, but the club must think carefully regarding this choice.

Previous club legends going on to manage the club hasn't always led to a fairy-tale ending.

Club legend Alan Shearer took over as Newcastle United manager, back in 2009.

Shearer’s legacy as a Newcastle legend was expected to transfer to management, though he went on to win just one of his eight games in charge.

The 2005 Champions League winner would certainly be a popular candidate for the Liverpool fans.

It still remains to be seen whether Gerrard will have sufficient experience under his belt to take over from Klopp in 2024.

Julian Nagelsmann

An interesting name that has been touted amongst Liverpool supporters due to his impressive spell with RB Leipzig, Julian Nagelsmann.

The German has earned many plaudits during his time with the German side.

At only 32 years old, Nagelsmann is the youngest manager to ever win a Champions League knockout match.

His side RB Leipzig currently sit in third place in the Bundesliga, only 5 points off first place Bayern Munich.

Liverpool fans see similar characteristics between Nagelsmann and Klopp, both encourage attacking football and their similar passion.

Nagelsmann has certainly done well during his time in professional management.

Will the Liverpool board feel Nagelsmann success and experience will be enough?

I feel that Nagelsmann will be looked at with strong interest, and believe he fits perfectly into Liverpool's philosophy.

Whoever may become the next Liverpool manager after Jurgen Klopp, will certainly have big boots to fill.

The board will need to take into account both personal attributes and managerial experience when considering the candidates.

It is important the board get this decision spot on, as Klopp hopes to leave solid foundations for his successor.