Jurgen Klopp will end his nine-year reign as Liverpool boss this summer, and one former Red believes the German will be an incredibly hard act to follow.
Klopp has become a legend at Anfield after winning both the Premier League and Champions League, as well as going toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola's all-conquering Manchester City. Talking to mark the launch of Panini’s Official England Sticker Collection where he features as a Legend, Steve McManaman says he'll go down as one of the club's greatest-ever gaffers.
He said: “Jurgen’s not just idolised by the Liverpool supporters, he's idolised by the people of Liverpool, even a few Evertonians!
"His legacy will see him go down as undoubtedly one of Liverpool's greatest ever managers and he’ll be regarded alongside the very best the club has ever seen; Kenny Dalglish, Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. He has an aura about him - his charisma in press conferences, his ability to make people laugh, his warmth and sense of humour has all been excellent."
Liverpool are yet to name a replacement for the outgoing boss, after Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running. However, MaManaman has warned of the hard job he'll have on his hands, whoever Klopp's successor is.
Adding: “Whoever comes in to replace Klopp, it’s going to be really difficult for them. The Liverpool supporters will of course get behind them straight away like they always do, but any drop off and the comparisons to Jurgen will be used straight away. And what an incredibly hard act to follow he is.
"All fingers seem to be pointing at Rúben Amorim at Sporting. He's a young man, he's only 39, just seven years older than Virgil and Salah! But speaking from the view of a player, regardless of who your manager is, you personally want to play well, and you want to be successful. So, whoever comes in, is taking over a group of very talented players, but it's going to be a hard, hard job to follow Jurgen.”
The Official England Sticker Collection Tournament Edition 2024, with 100% official kits and 387 stickers to collect, is available now at panini.co.uk/englandstickers and retailers nationwide.
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