Now eliminated from the FA Cup, Liverpool’s last chance in a knockout competition under Jurgen Klopp rests in the Europa League.
Curiously, this trophy stands as the only one Klopp pursued with the Reds but failed to secure. Therefore, clinching it in Dublin on May 22nd would serve as a fitting conclusion to the German manager’s tenure.
Discussion has arisen regarding Dublin’s readiness to accommodate the expected influx of Liverpool supporters for the match. Nonetheless, the Irish capital already teems with Reds enthusiasts. Hence, it presents an ideal setting to conclude Klopp’s tenure at Anfield.
Before that, Liverpool must successfully navigate a challenging quarter-final encounter with Atalanta. A potential semi-final matchup awaits against either Benfica or Marseille.
Should they progress, Alan Shearer, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, predicts Liverpool will meet Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
“I think there’s every chance they [Liverpool and Leverkusen] could play each other,” said the pundit.
“When everyone has looked at the draws and how it’s worked out, they are probably the outstanding teams aren’t they, those two?”
Liverpool Ready for Alonso Battle
Obviously, should Liverpool face off against Leverkusen in the Europa League final, it will undoubtedly be a match rich in narrative.
It’s widely known that the Reds are considering replacing Klopp with Bayer’s current manager, Xabi Alonso. The prospect of Jurgen facing his potential successor in his final game as Liverpool boss would be a captivating storyline.
Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that the new manager might not be announced by then, or Alonso could reject Liverpool in favour of Bayern.
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano‘s recent update, it seems that things could be resolved by the end of May.
Romano has suggested that Liverpool will enter into a fierce competition with Bayern for the Spanish coach next month. Hopefully, this will result in a timely resolution before the new season commences.
If Alonso declines Liverpool’s offer, it shouldn’t affect the team’s determination to win the final and bid farewell to Klopp on a high note.
Despite Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten record in all competitions this season, they would pose a formidable challenge.
Some might argue that losing in a European final would be a fitting conclusion to Jurgen’s tenure at Liverpool, considering they have lost three finals under his management.
However, considering the remaining teams, Liverpool should be optimistic about their chances, even against Alonso and his formidable team.
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