Klopp emerges as favourite to become new Liverpool manager after sacking of Rodgers

JURGEN KLOPP has emerged as the front-runner to become the new Liverpool manager after Brendan Rodgers was sacked shortly after yesterday's draw with Everton.

Liverpool have started the process of replacing Rodgers and want to speak to former Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp, while they will also consider the credentials of ex-Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Owners, Fenway Sports Group, took the decision to terminate Rodgers' contract after the 1-1 Merseyside derby stalemate because they no longer believed Rodgers could lead the club to success.

FSG president Mike Gordon phoned Rodgers who had returned to Melwood 90 minutes after the game, while chief executive Ian Ayre visited him at his home. Rodgers is said to have taken the decision with ‘great dignity’.

Liverpool have won just one of their last nine games in 90 minutes, but lie only three points off fourth place in the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the frontrunner to become the next Liverpool boss

 

The task of marshalling the squad will now fall elsewhere with German Klopp understood to be Liverpool’s preferred choice. He left Dortmund after seven years in the summer and has let it be known he would end a sabbatical early to return to management in England. 

Ancelotti last night told Express Sport he does not plan to return to football until next summer, saying: “I have not had an offer from Liverpool.” 

In a joint statement, FSG principal owner John W Henry, chairman Tom Werner and Gordon said: “All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game. The search for a new manager is underway.”

Liverpool sacked Brendan Rodgers following the 1-1 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton

FSG have held doubts over Rodgers since the defeat to Manchester United at Anfield last March, but stood by him during the end-of-season summer review.

In a joint statement, Principal Owner John W Henry, Chairman Tom Werner and Gordon thanked Rodgers but added: "All of us have experienced some wonderful moments with Brendan as manager and we are confident he will enjoy a long career in the game.

"Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch. Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.

"The search for a new manager is underway and we hope to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner."