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Liverpool to consider two alternatives to Steven Gerrard when replacing Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp is not expected to leave any time soon but when he does Liverpool could make an interesting replacement.
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Julian Nagelsmann and Pep Lijnders have been identified as potential alternatives to Steven Gerrard when it comes to Liverpool replacing Jurgen Klopp. While the German is not going anywhere soon, there are still considerations to make in how best to replace him when he does go.
Pep Lijnders is massively respected by the owners and is a popular figure in the club
And if the time comes to seek a new challenge within the next few years then the club will have to make a careful choice regarding his successor at the dugout as the bar will certainly remain high.
According to The Athletic's James Pearce, RB Leipzig boss Nagelsmann and Klopp's assistant Lijnders would be options for the club.
Although club legend Steven Gerrard is also likely to be under consideration.
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The young German coach took over at Leipzig in 2019 and has turned the club into a real force both domestically as well as in Europe and boasts an impressive pedigree that could appeal to Liverpool.
Gerrard has made quite an impact at Rangers as he has turned them to legitimate title rivals against Celtic in the Scottish Premier League.
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Lijnders also has a strong case as Klopp asked him personally to be his assistant and a transition under him could prove to be a smooth change.
Pearce said: "Pep Lijnders is massively respected by the owners and is a popular figure in the club. He would certainly be part of the conversation.
"If Julian Nagelsmann's career remains on an upward curve at that time he’s bound to be of interest too.
The former Liverpool captain is still loved by the fans at Anfield and knows everything there is about the club having spent his entire career at Merseyside.
"So much can change in the space of four years. I still think Steven Gerrard is destined to manage Liverpool and he's bound to be a strong contender.
"I know their domestic form hasn’t been great recently but in general, he’s done a great job at Rangers. In football, it’s all about timing.
"I’d love to see Gerrard enjoy success over the next few years, whether that’s at Ibrox or at another club, and then be in a position where he has sufficient experience to be Klopp’s successor."
Liverpool are on the verge of winning their first Premier League title in 30 years as they are top of the table with 25 points away from second place.