Jurgen Klopp wants Pep Lijnders to replace him as Liverpool boss when the time comes, The Sunday World report.
Unfounded rumours have swirled over Klopp’s exit at Liverpool in recent days, which cast some doubts over the German’s future at Anfield.
However, Klopp is here to stay on Merseyside in the immediate future – despite his side’s struggles of late.
Klopp was quick to play down suggestions that he could leave Liverpool in his latest press conferences, but it seems that he does have a succession plan in mind.
When the time is right, the Sunday World say that Lijnders is the man who Klopp will urge Liverpool’s board to appoint to takeover from him.
Lijnders does seem like the most obvious replacement for Klopp, if the Reds want to make a like-for-like change.
The Dutchman has worked as Klopp’s assistant for years and knows his methods thoroughly.
Lijnders also has a strong relationship with Liverpool’s players, and if he was to takeover then the transition period when Klopp departs may be a softer one.
However, whether Liverpool will actually go for the 38-year-old remains to be seen.
Steven Gerrard is sure to have a strong claim for the job at Anfield, while high profile names from abroad will also surely be linked at the point when Klopp does leave.
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