Klopp Makes Shock Decision: What Next?

In a shocking turn of events this morning, Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool in May. However, it’s not just the questions around Klopp’s departure that need answers, with many questions left on the lips of supporters.

Let’s have a look at some of those questions that are being raised and consider potential outcomes for those queries.

Respectable or Poor Timing?

The question that I’ve seen thrown around the most, is Why would Klopp announce it now?

It’s a perfectly reasonable question, with Liverpool currently in the hunt for four trophies this season and sitting at the top of the Premier League. Some have suggested that an announcement towards the end of the season would’ve made more sense.

Klopp mentioned in the announcement video that he owes the truth to the Liverpool supporters, which may simply mean he can’t face the guilt of keeping it a secret from the Anfield faithful. I trust that Klopp had the best interests of the club at heart, as he always has, but I personally find the timing quite strange.

Mo Salah Next?

Another question that a lot of Liverpool supporters have been asking, is what this could mean for the future of Mohamed Salah?

The future of Mohamad Salah was already in question due to the consistent pursuit from Saudi Arabia, but this could add a whole new dimension to the debate. Klopp and his system have been ever-present throughout Salah’s illustrious seven-year career at Anfield.

There’s a potential chance that a number of long-term players could consider their options after the news of Klopp leaving. Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also coming closer to the expiry of their current deals at Anfield.

Hopefully the players’ love for the club comes above all and they may even want to take on the responsibility of carrying on the legacy that was built by Klopp.

Who Next?

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is the current bookies favourite to take over at Anfield. The Spaniard currently has Bayer Leverkusen sat top of the Bundesliga table and unbeaten so far this season.

Other names such as Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann and Steven Gerrard have been named as potential suitors, but I’d be surprised if Alonso wasn’t at the top of FSG’s list. Perhaps an opportunity for Nagelsmann or Gerrard will arise in the future, but for now I see it as an unneccessary risk.

Either way, it’s going to be a huge task for whoever replaces Klopp in the 2024-25 season but I’m sure the supporters will back them the entire way.