According to a report from BBC, Liverpool’s assistant manager Zeljko Buvac has stepped away from the first-team and is expected to maintain a distance until the end of the season.

Initially, there was a lot of confusion as to whether or not he had permanently resigned but if BBC are to be believed, the move is temporary.

The timing of this is rather unfortunate since we have our colossal second-leg semi-final clash against AS Roma coming up.

The report has claimed that the move will not affect Buvac’s position at the club as he continues to be listed as an employee. Liverpool are rightfully trying to keep the entire issue under wraps for now but BBC claims that the 56-year-old’s absence is due to personal reasons.

Liverpool have put all their eggs in the Champions League basket and the upcoming match against Roma will be crucial for us. Buvac’s absence could most certainly create problems for us.

Jurgen Klopp and Buvac have been through several ups and downs together but undeniably, their partnership has helped us reach new heights.

The duo has worked together for almost two decades – 17 years to be precise, and Buvac was by Klopp’s side during his tenures with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. In fact, Buvac is understood to be the one responsible for the famous gegenpressing system.

The game against Roma will not be easy and if we qualify, the final will be quite demanding. As it is, we have a lot of areas to strengthen in the upcoming summer transfer window and let’s hope Buvac is not looking for a permanent exit at the end of the season.

Given his influence and relationship with Klopp, I hope he returns in full strength. Regardless of how we finish this term, our next campaign will be extremely crucial and we must focus towards winning silverware – a feat that will be tough to accomplish without Buvac’s insightful guidance.