Jamie Carragher names who’d be top of list to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss - it’s not Steven Gerrard

The ex-Red defender and Sky Sports pundit reckons the 48-year-old is overachieving in his current role.
By Will Rooney
Published 4th Oct 2021, 17:30 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2021, 17:02 BST

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Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. Picture: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesFormer Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. Picture: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher. Picture: PETER POWELL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Brendan Rodgers would be "top of the list" to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss - had he not already been sacked from the job.

That is the verdict of Anfield legend Jamie Carragher, who worked under the current Leicester City manager during his final season at the Reds before retiring.

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Rodgers took charge of the Liverpool hot seat in June 2012. His most successful season came in 2013-14 when the Reds finished second in the Premier League - just two points behind champions Manchester City.

Jamie Carragher speaks with Brendan Rodgers during Liverpool training. Picture: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty ImagesJamie Carragher speaks with Brendan Rodgers during Liverpool training. Picture: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images
Jamie Carragher speaks with Brendan Rodgers during Liverpool training. Picture: ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images

What’s been said

The Northern Irishman would face the axe in October 2015, however, after a lacklustre six-place finish before starting that campaign in dire form.

His final match was a 1-1 Merseyside derby draw at Everton, leaving Liverpool 10th in the table.

Klopp was the man to replace Rodgers and he's delivered both the Champions League and Premier League title on Merseyside.

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In fairness to Rodgers, he’s responded superbly after his exit. He led Celtic to two Scottish crowns before guiding Leicester to the FA Cup and fifth spot in the Premier League last term.

Given his achievements, Carragher reckons Rodgers would be favourite to take the helm at Anfield if Klopp suddenly departed - but knows that won't happen.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former centre-back said: "I’m a huge fan of Brendan Rodgers and think he’s a brilliant manager - I really do.

“I’ve worked with him for 12 months at Liverpool and I think this job came too early for him. If Jurgen Klopp was to leave Liverpool tomorrow Brendan Rodgers would be top of the list.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesLiverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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“That’s not going to happen because he’s been here (Liverpool) before - but done a brilliant job at Leicester.

“It is a bump in the road and I almost feel at Leicester because they’ve fallen away at the end it’s almost looked at negatively [because] ‘Oh the season they threw away the top four’.

“They’re a really good side, a great club in how they recruit but it’s still overachieving what they’ve been doing in the mix of that top four under Brendan Rodgers year in, year out.”

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Related topics:Jurgen KloppBrendan RodgersSky SportsSteven Gerrard

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