Liverpool are almost ready for a new era, with just a handful of games left to play under Jurgen Klopp.
The hope had been that Klopp would be able to end his Liverpool reign on the highest of highs. But after a poor six weeks or so, they find themselves out of every competition.
Instead, the focus will now be on sending the legendary boss out in the very best way possible. Unfortunately, it has been reported that there will be no goodbye parade for Jurgen. However, there will be a tearful farewell at Anfield in three weeks time.
That is something that no Liverpool supporter will have been expecting to see back on January 25th. Nevertheless, it’s coming.
As FSG look set to appoint Arne Slot, thoughts are now beginning to turn to the future for Liverpool. They are about to step into the unknown. And according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher, that future would be brighter if Klopp had stuck around.
Jamie Carragher makes Jurgen Klopp prediction
it’s probably true that Liverpool have overachieved somewhat this season.
After crashing out of the FA Cup and Europa League before surrendering the Premier League title in such disappointing fashion, nobody really wants to hear that. But it doesn’t stop it from being true.
Prior to the campaign, there were genuine question marks over whether Liverpool would make it back to the top four. But with some improvements to the first-team squad over the summer, the Reds have punched higher.
That squad now looks relatively well-placed for Slot to come in and kick on. Writing for The Telegraph on Friday though, Carragher thinks Liverpool would be a certainty to be up there next season under Klopp.
“Klopp’s successor, who it now appears will be Feyenoord’s Arne Slot, has plenty to improve after a season which has ultimately promised more than it delivered,” he says. “No coach arriving at Anfield should consider it an unattainable challenge to make his first year at Liverpool better than Klopp’s last. That’s the good news.
“The bad news is the man most capable of overseeing the next step for this Liverpool team is leaving. If Klopp was in charge next season, Liverpool would move forward and challenge again at home and in Europe. With Slot, that absolute belief will give way to hope.”
What will Liverpool do under Arne Slot
Although we think it’s best for everyone to wait and see before making judgements about Slot, it’s hard to argue against Carragher’s point.
Under Klopp, you’d back Liverpool to build on a season of improvement and really make an assault at the league and Champions League next year. With Slot replacing him, we don’t know how that will look just yet.
Still, we’ve taken a shot at predicting how the 45-year-old will want his Liverpool XI to line up in 2024/25.
We also think there are certain players in the squad who will absolutely benefit from Slot taking over from Klopp.
So, while we do take Carragher’s point, it isn’t really helping anyone. Instead of pining for what could have been, let’s send Jurgen off how he deserves and welcome the new man with open arms.