A split image of Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slotplaceholder image
A split image of Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot | Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp is listed as one of the favourites to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool, should he be sacked
With Arne Slot under serious pressure at Liverpool, the speculation over whether he will be shown the door or not is now at an all-time high.
Liverpool’s drastic nosedive since their positive start to the season marks their worst run of form in more than 70 years. Slot has vowed to ‘fight on’ with his side but he could be just a few more poor results from a potential sacking becoming a reality.
Candidates to replace the Dutchman have already been listed in the media, with Jurgen Klopp among the favourites to take the reins. The German left the club after nine years but he is now being linked with a return to Merseyside.
Jurgen Klopp keeps door open to Liverpool
During his departure announcement video in January 2024, Klopp admitted if he was asked there and then if he’d return to management after Liverpool, the answer would be no.
However, his recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast has essentially left the door open for a potential Liverpool return. When asked if he would become the manager of Liverpool again, Klopp admitted it is ‘theoretically possible’.
“I’ve said that I’ll never coach any other team in England. So if I do, it’ll be Liverpool.”
These comments have resulted in him being named as a potential candidate to replace Slot, should Liverpool opt to part ways with the Dutch boss.
German media say Liverpool would be ‘negligent’ not to approach Jurgen Klopp
It isn’t just the English media and Liverpool fans who are discussing the idea of Klopp returning to Anfield, either. Swiss journalist and commentator Marcel Reif has weighed in on the matter during his show for German outlet BILD.
Reif believes the ‘scar’ left from Klopp’s departure is still not yet healed at Liverpool and he believes the team and fans would welcome him back in a heartbeat, should there be the opportunity of a reunion.
Addressing Klopp’s comments on The Diary of a CEO, Reif said: “This statement comes at the wrong time for Slot. He's [Klopp] hovering like a UFO over Anfield. All of Liverpool would carry him back on their shoulders. And it would be negligent if they didn't try Klopp.”
It’s a big ask to lure Klopp back to a world he hasn’t long left, though. His decision to walk away from management was due to him ‘running out of energy’ working in his previous role.
“I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again,” he admitted. Klopp is now the Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull.
Reif compared Liverpool’s situation to that of Dortmund, who Klopp left in 2015 to arrive on Merseyside. The reporter has urged that if Liverpool cannot convince him to return, they must move on.
“In Dortmund they chased after ‘Saint Jurgen’ for what felt like 20 years after he left. Everyone was supposed to become Klopp 2.0. At some point in Dortmund they realized: That time is over!”
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