Phil Thompson names the manager he wanted to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

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After Jurgen Klopp announced that he’ll leave Liverpool this morning, talk has now turned to who will replace him.

So far, there’s only really been two candidates credibly put forward. The first is Xabi Alonso, who former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has called on to take on the job. The second is current assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

Lijnders name was mentioned by reporter Jim White on TalkSPORT this morning. However, since White’s suggestion, liverpoolfc.com confirmed that the Dutch coach will leave along with Klopp at the end of the season.

That, according to Phil Thompson is a real shame. Also speaking to TalkSPORT, the former Liverpool captain said that he would have liked to have seen Lijnders given a go.

“Even if it is Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard, I was really hoping, people spoke about it, Pep Lijnders who has done a wonderful job – he would,” Thompson said.

“But if they all go as well, then it is all starting anew. And we all know that no matter what football club, you bring people in with different ideas, you look at how Manchester United have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson left, it is difficult to replicate.”

Thompson backs Lijnders

As we now know, there’s no chance that Lijnders will be the man to take over from Klopp.

We can understand Thompson’s disappointment with that. Pep obviously knows the club and the players inside out and would give some much needed continuity.

However, in terms of actual managerial chops, there’s no question that the Dutchman is under qualified.

As a coach, there are few better around. Lijnders’ tactical knowledge is second to none. He takes the sessions at Liverpool and is well respected around the club.

But his managerial experience amounts to a four months stint in the Dutch second division that ended in sacking.

That is nowhere near enough to take over from one of the best managers in Liverpool’s history. So, we think it’s for the best that the Reds pursue other avenues, namely Alonso, who feels like a great fit.

There’s little question that Lijnders will now embark on his own career as a head coach. Perhaps one day he’ll be back at Liverpool.

But for now, it’ll soon be farewell to Pep. His part in the Klopp glory years will never be forgotten.