Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool FC will approach German to succeed Rodgers
21:16, 4 OCT 2015
BY JAMES PEARCE
Former Dortmund boss is leading candidate for Anfield job
Jurgen Klopp is the leading candidate to be named as Liverpool’s new manager.
The ECHO understands that the Reds will make an approach to the former Borussia Dortmund boss over the coming days as they seek a successor to Brendan Rodgers,
Carlo Ancelotti and Frank de Boer will also come under consideration but Klopp is viewed as the ideal replacement by Anfield’s hierarchy.
The 48-year-old German has been out of management since he stepped down at Dortmund back in May. He announced that he was taking a sabbatical but has made it known in recent weeks that he’s ready to return and would relish working in the Premier League.
Klopp boasts an impressive CV haven’t won two Bundesliga titles and taken Dortmund to the 2013 Champions League final. The ECHO understands that he’s eager to hold talks with the Reds.
Owners Fenway Sports Group expect to have the new manager in place for the Reds’ next game away to Tottenham on October 17.
Rodgers was sacked an hour after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Goodison following a transatlantic phone call with Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon.
In a joint statement, principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and Gordon said: “We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Brendan Rodgers for the significant contribution he has made to the club and express our gratitude for his hard work and commitment.
“All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.
“Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.
“The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner.”
Rodgers took over from Kenny Dalglish in June 2012 after a successful spell at Swansea City, who he had got promoted into the Premier League.
In his first season at Anfield the Reds finished seventh but in 2013/14 they kicked on and came within two points of ending the club’s 24-year wait for a 19th top flight title.
Inspired by the brilliance of Luis Suarez, the Reds scored 101 league goals and collected 84 points. However, their hopes of glory were dashed by a home defeat to Chelsea as Manchester City took the silverware.
Following the sale of Suarez to Barcelona, Rodgers’ reign went off the rails.
Last season Liverpool finished sixth and a miserable campaign ended with a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Stoke. FSG kept faith with Rodgers and allowed him to spend £80million on new players but they wielded the axe after a poor return of 12 points from the opening eight games this season.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/jurgen-klopp-liverpool-fc-approach-10194206