Liverpool legend gives verdict on the job to succeed Jurgen Klopp

Steve McManaman believes Jurgen Klopp has given his replacement at Liverpool the best platform with which to succeed.

Bayer Leverkusen's Xabi Alonso, a friend of former Reds winger McManaman, remains the frontrunner as his team edges closer to the first Bundesliga title in their history, but there are a number of other contenders. However, with one trophy already secured, the fight for the remaining three looks healthy as they head to the Czech Republic to face Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

With the squad revamped in the last 18 months, McManaman believes there are positives and negatives for the man who takes over. "It's going to be a really difficult job taking over after Jurgen, with the person he is and the stature he has in the city," the former Real Madrid forward told the PA news agency ahead of Sparta Prague v Liverpool, live exclusively on TNT Sports.

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"But on the other hand, the club will be financially healthy and in a good position. It's not as if someone is getting sacked and you have to take over a struggling team.

"He [Klopp] will leave this team at the very top, he will give them the best possible opportunity to succeed but I don't know who it will be.

"I know Xabi well, he's a mate of mine, so I'm slightly biased but I certainly wouldn't want to put pressure on him. He's 18 months into an incredible start of his career as, let's be honest, Real Sociedad B doesn't count, this is his proper job.

"Whether it's too soon I don't know. He's got lots of interest. He'll choose whatever role he needs to do, the main thing for him is for him to be successful."

The trip to Prague comes just a few days before title rivals