Liverpool reacts to Klopp leaving
"Build him a statue, build it now"
Last updated 26th Jan 2024
Football fans in Liverpool, and around the world have been rocked this morning by the news Jurgen Klopp is stepping down from his managerial duties at the end of the season.
Despite signing a contract extension that would see his tenure through to 2026 he says his energy is diminishing and the gas tamp is emptying.
We've been speaking to fans outside Anfield:
"I'm very shocked, I don't know who they'll go for now"
"Shocked when the message came thorugh, i thought he was signing a contract extension. I was in tears on the couch. I think the emotion will come on Sunday (when they play Norwich.)
"I don't think there could of been a better manager, and I don't think there is.
"Build him a statue, build it now for him and put it next to Bill (Shankly."
"It'll be different. It'll be odd to see someone else in the dugout.
"He's been the best manager we've ever had."
"He's done everything at the club. He's done everything he said he would do when he joined. He's turned us from doubters into believers."
Former Liverpool Defender Jamie Carragher commented on X (formerly twitter:)
"This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
"I just thought it would be another few years away. What a manager, what a man, let's go out with a bang Jurgen!"
The bookies have made former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso the outright favourite to replace Klopp in the Summer, with his Bayern Leverkusen side currently topping the Bundesliga, beating Bayern Munich.
Alonso has previously suggested being open to the idea of managing Liverpool, and Leverkusen have said they would not stand in the way of negotiations.
Other names mentioned include, Jose Mourinho, Roberto De Zerbi, Stephen Gerard and current assistant coach Pep Lijnders.