I think that Klopp announcing his exit as early as he did seems to have undermined his side who have fallen away badly over the past couple of weeks. From the media wank-fest over him winning four trophies it looks as though he’s going out with a whimper and just one trophy this season.
He’s been their best manager since Dalglish, but I wonder if he saw the writing on the wall in that vital parts of his squad are just past their peak - Van Dijk and Salah - and that their potential replacements aren’t at their levels? It’s similar to when Fergie left Old Trafford, an ageing squad who probably should have been broken up a couple of seasons before.
Whoever replaces Klopp faces a monumental challenge, he’s a difficult act to follow - remember Moyes and Emery? I expect Salah to take the Saudi oil money this summer too. An intriguing 12 months for whoever comes in.
I agree with your comments generally apart from his exit announcement undermining the squad.
There's 4 key players over 30 including Robertson, Van Dyke and Salah, and they're starting to show it.
We are a team in transition and that's probably why Klopp's been changing the ream so often.
We're lacking any real midfield generals who can turn a game around.
Dias is the only forward who regularly has the skill, energy and confidence to run at defenders.
Salah has lost his magic, and there's no obvious replacement for him on the right wing.
Maybe we need to try Nunez in that role as I don't think he's going to get many goals as a striker.
Even the normally unflappable Van Dyke has lost his mojo and was seen wanting against the excellent Calvert-Lewin last night.
I guess it's no surprise as the Liverpool back four aren't a sound defensive unit any more and he's not getting the support he deserves.
History tells us it's always going to be difficult to replace a successful, transformative, charismatic and well loved manager.
I think Klopp's been even more than that.
He's been an inspirational manager to the players and fans, and the Klopp factor has probably enabled the team to reach a level of success that maybe belies the quality of the squad.
So yes, Arne Slot is now 2/9 odds for the next manager.
It will be an impossible act to follow as Klopp was a one off.
He'll have to deal with those older players with big egos, and get shut of Salah and a few more while they're valued assets.
Then he'll need to rebuild 'his' team.
I'm pleased that at least his managerial tactics appear to be similar, with the high intensity and defensive line style of play.
In the meantime, c'mon Arsenal. Don't gift another title to City.
