“Natural fit” – Liverpool legend gives his verdict on potential Jurgen Klopp replacement

Phil Thompson has earmarked Steven Gerrard to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo as quoted by the Mirror, former Reds player Phil Thompson has named Steven Gerrard as the natural replacement for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s contract with the Reds is set to expire in 2024 and the German manager is expected to walk away at the end of his deal. While the Liverpool manager has not closed the door on a potential extension, the people at Anfield will have to prepare just in case.

Former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard now manages Aston Villa in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp has been a sensational manager for the Reds, completely transforming the team. Gerrard is very young in his managerial career and still has a lot to prove before taking over a club of Liverpool’s stature.

Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson has named Steven Gerrard along with Klopp’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders as potential replacements if the German is to leave.

“I think Gerrard would be [a big draw] and you can see him as a natural fit. Obviously you have got to earn the right. Obviously Jurgen was at Mainz, was at Dortmund, and then came through. Steven has gone in at Rangers, which is a massive club. Then he has gone to Villa. “

Thompson has also claimed that the Liverpool legend will have a pulling power when it comes to signing new players.

“[The signing of] Philippe Coutinho is because it is Steven Gerrard. Players will always want to come and play for him, which will be a big draw at Liverpool.”

Big shoes to fill?

Jurgen Klopp has been one of the best managers in the world for the past few years and the work he has done at Anfield is beyond words.

The German manager has won the Champions League, Premier League and the Carabao Cup with the Reds and is on the quest for an unprecedented quadruple this season.

Liverpool can continue enjoying the German’s services until 2024 but if Klopp decides to leave, then the Reds will be in the hunt for an able replacement.

Steven Gerrard seems like the emotional choice and is something that is likely to happen in the future but there could be questions on whether the English midfielder would be ready to take over a club of such stature.

Klopp’s right-hand man Pep Lijnders is an option, especially having been a part of the set-up for so long but again the factor of experience would come into question again.

More Liverpool News

• Transfer News: Liverpool scouting 40-goal Scottish teenage sensation
• Liverpool among two clubs to have held talks with 22-year-old PSV winger
• “Only concern”- Bundesliga ace on Liverpool’s radar open to summer switch

Appointing either Steven Gerrard or Pep Lijnders as Klopp’s replacement could be a gamble. Whether Liverpool does so or chooses to go for a more experienced head remains to be seen.