Liverpool’s assistant manager Zeljko Buvac’s sudden dismissal last month sent shockwaves across the footballing community in general. Buvac had been with Jurgen Klopp since his Bundesliga days and it was palpable that a significant issue had caused the duo to part ways at such a crucial time.

Liverpool have remained tight-lipped about the ordeal but there has been a lot of speculation. Buvac’s absence is believed to be temporary, as per Liverpool Echo, and we are expected to have him back next season. But since his departure, Liverpool have not been in the best of shapes.

Buvac has been instrumental in orchestrating a lot of our tactics since Klopp took charge. To not have his services at a time when we face Real Madrid in the Champions League is indeed nerve-wracking. In Buvac’s absence, we lost the second leg semi-final to AS Roma, which was followed by a terrible defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League.

The victory against Brighton & Hove Albion is encouraging but facing Real will be a different game altogether. In an interview recently, Klopp was questioned if Buvac’s loss is affecting the team’s performances. As quoted by Liverpool Echo, he replied:

“No, not a bit. Is there more responsibility or stress? No, absolutely not. I am not on my own, I have still a lot of people around me, Peter Krawietz and Andreas Kornmayer’s team. So I am not alone. Nobody needs to worry about that.”

Klopp’s confidence and optimism are certainly reassuring ahead of the big game but Buvac has undeniably played a crucial role in our good fortunes over the years. Regardless of how we fare in the Champions League final, let’s hope we get to see Buvac and Klopp brainstorming together next season.