Liverpool are close to securing the services of Jurgen Klopp as the club’s new manager.
Talks with the former Borussia Dortmund boss and his representatives are progressing well and the hope is that negotiations will be completed over the next 24 to 48 hours.
The ECHO understands there will be no official announcement on Wednesday with Klopp not expected to fly to Merseyside until Thursday. The Reds are confident that Brendan Rodgers’ successor will be unveiled before the weekend.
The Anfield hierarchy want to ensure Klopp has a full week to prepare for his first game in charge away to Tottenham in the Premier League on October 17.
Publicly, the 48-year-old has refused to be drawn on Liverpool’s interest as he told German newspaper Bild: “There’s nothing to say. Neither a definite yes nor a definite no.”
However, Klopp is ready to cut short his planned year-long sabbatical in order to spearhead an Anfield revival and he is expected to pen a three-year contract.
Former Germany captain and manager Franz Beckenbauer believes Liverpool will be getting one of the best coaches in world football.
“He is fantastic,” Beckenbauer said. “He is one of the best coaches I know in the whole world, and he was really a milestone for Borussia Dortmund.
“He took over the club and made them into a world-class team. If Liverpool has the chance to sign Jurgen Klopp then they should do it.
“He likes to talk. There are not many coaches left in the world that like to talk so much to the players but he is one of them.
“Liverpool is also one of the biggest clubs in the world, so Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp is definitely a good combination. He is also a winner.”
Wise choice
Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who was bought by Klopp back in 2011, is also convinced the Red have made a wise choice.
“I’ve not had that much contact with him recently, and I’ve not followed much of what has been said, but I think Klopp would be a great fit at many clubs and I believe also at Liverpool,” the Germany international said.
“Of course it’s something I can see happening. I think Klopp is capable of helping many top clubs in the world.”
Liverpool assistant boss Sean O’Driscoll, first team coach Gary McAllister and development coach Pep Lijnders oversaw training at Melwood on Tuesday for those players not on international duty.
However, their future remains uncertain with Klopp expected to bring in his own backroom staff in Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz.
Kop legend Robbie Fowler has thrown his hat into the ring if Klopp is looking for someone with links to Anfield’s past.
“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t interested,” Fowler said. “If a new manager comes in I’d love to be part of the backroom staff. Liverpool is a massive part of my life.”
source:liverpoolecho.co.uk
STUDIO 3 NEWCASTLE AUSTRALIA 