Xabi Alonso and Pep Lijnders would be candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool
Liverpool have been told that it remains unlikely that ‘loyal’ Jurgen Klopp would leave Merseyside for the Germany job, but that has not stopped one observer from naming three potential candidates to step into his shoes if the worst was to happen.
History was made this week when Hansi Flick became the first man to be fired from the role of Germany coach since the role was created back in 1926. In its proud 97-year history, only 13 men have held the role on a permanent basis. Each one of those incumbents, until Flick, left the role on their own terms.
And now with the former Bayern Munich boss given his marching orders by Die Mannschaft following a humiliating 4-1 home defeat to Japan, the German FA are now on the lookout for a new head coach.
To that end, they reportedly have a shortlist that contains five solid candidates with a number of well-respected coaches in the mix. Top of that lis is former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, who remains out of work after his departure at the Allianz Arena earlier this year.
There are other names in the frame, however. Felix Magarth has thrown his hat into the ring, while Louis van Gaal and Oliver Klasner are also reportedly under consideration.
However, the coach that Germany are “dreaming” about is the current Liverpool manager – and a report on Monday detailed both Germany plans to ask Klopp to perform a dual role and of the 56-year-old’s exit plan at Anfield.
Klopp’s current deal on Merseyside does not expire until 2026, meaning the timing might not be quite right for Klopp right now.
Nonetheless, that has not stopped Football365 looking at coaches who have combined coaching roles for club and country over the years.
Aldridge names three Liverpool candidates to replace Jurgen Klopp
And while Klopp has spoken before about the great honour that managing his country would involve, former Reds striker John Aldridge is convinced that he is not about to jump ship.
“As for Jurgen, if Germany came calling I’d hope he’d not leave,” Aldridge told the Liverpool Echo. “I think Jurgen’s a very loyal man so I’d be very surprised if he was to just walk out on Liverpool like that, I really would be.
“He’s a man of his word, a man of his honour, so I wouldn’t expect that.
“Although, down the line that could happen if he really wants it. It could happen in years to come, he’s still young as managers go.”
Reflecting on what it would mean to Liverpool were Klopp to depart, Aldridge admits his departure would leave the club “devastated”.
With that in mind, the former Reds frontman has also named three likely candidates Liverpool would consider to succeed the German at the helm.
“You never know in football,” Aldridge added about the possibility of Klopp exiting. “The fans would be absolutely devastated if he was to leave, but I think he’s got a job to do at Liverpool with the new team and he’ll want to see that through, I’m pretty sure about that.
“To be fair I wouldn’t have a clue who could replace him. Wouldn’t have a clue. Not a chance.
