Reports in England suggest that Premier League table-toppers Liverpool are keeping a close eye on RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann, as a potential long-term replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool stint
German tactician Klopp has been the man in charge at Liverpool for almost 5 years now, having joined the Reds from Borussia Dortmund in 2015.
And, following a first couple of seasons during which he often flattered to deceive on Merseyside, the last 18 months or so have since seen the former Mainz boss begin to silence any and all doubters.
A record-breaking campaign last time out, during which his Liverpool side were pipped to the Premier League title by a solitary point, was swiftly followed by redemption in Europe, as Klopp guided the Reds to their latest Champions League crown, and, in the process, his first piece of silverware with the club.
This has of course since been followed by a historic 2019/20 domestic campaign.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic brought football across England to a halt, Liverpool had built a staggering 25-point advantage over 2nd-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.
This came with the Merseyside giants having dropped points in just 2 of their 29 league fixtures to this point in the season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 30: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates scoring his teams second goal with team mate Trent Alexander-Arnold during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on November 30, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Klopp out/Nagelsmann in?
Despite having penned a new deal at Anfield late last year, though, when questioned on his plans for the long-term, Jurgen Klopp previously hinted at a potential Liverpool exit over the coming years.
As such, while such a scenario obviously appears unlikely in the immediate future, it is important that the Reds’ hierarchy prepare for the point at which Klopp decides that his work at the club is done.
And, if the latest reports in the English media over the last 24 hours are to be believed, then those in a position of power at Liverpool are likely to be doing precisely that.
According to the reliable Liverpool Echo, one tactician in particular appears an absolute lock to be taken into consideration as Jurgen Klopp’s long-term replacement at Anfield.
The man in question? RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann.
German Nagelsmann has long been viewed as one of, if not the finest young tactician on the planet.
Despite being just 32 years of age, the former Hoffenheim boss has already enjoyed huge success as a manager in his home country, with Leipzig’s recent Champions League demolition of Tottenham having also showcased Nagelsmann’s ability to translate his ideas to European competition.
As such, when Liverpool do eventually ramp up their search for a new boss, the one-time central-defender is ‘almost definitely going to be on the shortlist’, as per Matt Addison of the Echo.
Many think it will be Gerrard or Lijnders.
But it could be this man.https://t.co/woUln9exCx
— Liverpool FC News (@LivEchoLFC) April 17, 2020
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