Phil Thompson convinced Liverpool should replace Jurgen Klopp with 'fantastic' option
Liverpool legend Phil Thompson believes that Pep Lijnders is the right person to take over from Jurgen Klopp. According to Thompson, Lijnders could make a smooth transition into the role next season.
The Reds are on the hunt for a new manager after Klopp announced on January 26 that he would be stepping down at the end of the season. The club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have brought in former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards to assist with the decision, but they're keeping their thoughts under wraps.
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was initially tipped as the favourite due to his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen, but the German team are keen to hold onto him. Lijnders, who will also be leaving with Klopp at the end of the season, has said he's not in the running to replace him. However, Thompson would like to see him stay and step up.
Richard Hughes named Liverpool's new sporting director as start date confirmed
Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards speak out after Liverpool confirm new sporting director
"I don't think he'd [Lijnders] have too many objectors [to replace Klopp], Liverpool fans, if they know enough about the club and the people behind the scenes and the back-up staff for Jurgen," the ex-Reds centre-back shared on talkSPORT.
"Pep Lijnders is a fantastic coach and if you watch him on the training ground, he is full of it, full of energy and ideas. I would have no problems with him being it. If they announced it I would say yes. There must be something else in the offing for Pep Lijnders. Whatever he does, if he goes with Klopp [or] on his own, I will wish him all the best but if he was offered the job I would like to think Pep would have considered it at least."
Klopp agrees with
Read on liverpoolecho.co.uk
