Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has weighed in on the club’s quest for Jurgen Klopp’s successor as the German is set to departure from Anfield after an illustrious tenure spanning nearly nine years.
The Liverpool icon emphasised that the successor should not attempt to emulate Klopp’s style but rather grasp the essence of Liverpool’s ethos.
Klopp, having announced his departure in January after a nearly nine-year tenure, has left a significant void to be filled at Liverpool. Among the frontrunners to assume the managerial reins is Bayer Leverkusen’s current manager, Xabi Alonso.
With Klopp’s recent triumph in securing the League Cup, his legacy at Liverpool are firmly established. Having clinched seven major titles during his tenure at Anfield, Klopp has endeared himself as one of the most revered coaches in the club’s recent history. His departure scheduled for May will undoubtedly present a formidable challenge for his successor.
Dalglish suggests that the ideal next manager should simply be one who can be unique by not emulating Jurgen Klopp. He implied a preference for someone who comprehends Liverpool’s ethos to succeed Klopp next season, amid speculation regarding former Reds midfielder Alonso.
“It is very negative to say, ‘how can you follow Klopp? ‘ Whoever takes over from him just needs to be themselves,” Dalglish told No Tippy Tappy Football.
“They’ll already have 90 per cent of the ingredients for success at their hands so if they don’t want to come in and give it a good go then they’ll have made the wrong decision. If they believe in themselves and trust what they have at their disposal, I think it is a great job to take on.
“You can’t think about trying to emulate Jürgen Klopp, you have to be yourself. I don’t know where they’ll go with the new manager but they won’t get somebody like Klopp.
“The relationship he has with the fans is so important and if the next guy can build the same relationship, then he’s off to a great start. I’d like to see the new manager be somebody who knows what Liverpool is all about.”
Dalglish’s assertion holds true. Liverpool are unlikely to find another manager like Klopp, and the successor shouldn’t attempt to replicate his style.
Transitioning from Klopp, who has led the team for an extended period, may be challenging, but the incoming manager must introduce fresh strategies and imprint their identity on the squad.
Alonso emerges as a prime candidate, particularly due to his existing rapport with fans, granting him a significant advantage from the outset.
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