The manager Liverpool stars want to succeed Jurgen Klopp ‘leaked’ – and it’s not Xabi Alonso

LIVERPOOL players want Pep Lijnders to take over from Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, according to reports.

The legendary boss is hoping to go out in style with the Reds still in the hunt for the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup to add to their Carabao Cup success.

Reuters

Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders could take over from Jurgen Klopp[/caption]

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Xabi Alonso remains the favourite for the job[/caption]

Klopp has been in charge at Anfield for nine years, but Dutch coach Pep Lijnders has been there even longer.

And according to talkSPORT duo Alan Brazil and Dean Saunders, the players would like to see him be in charge.

Brazil said: “I am told the players wouldn’t mind the number two, Pep taking over.

Saunders added: “I heard that as well. At least Lijnders knows what’s going on there.

“It’s difficult, who do you give the job to? That club is that big.”

Lijnders first arrived in 2014 to work with Brendan Rodgers before joining Klopp’s setup.

He stayed for three seasons before briefly trying his hand at management with NEC in Holland.

But he returned just a year later and re-joined Klopp’s staff.

The pair have masterminded Liverpool‘s recent successes together and there is belief Lijnders is like his predecessor and will offer the simplest transition into a new manager.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso remains the favourite to replace Klopp.

Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann and Sporting Lisbon gaffer Ruben Amorim are other alternatives.