Jurgen Klopp to leave Liverpool LIVE: Anfield boss announces he will step down at the end of the season as Xabi Alonso leads list of favourites to replace him

Xabi Alonso was happy to welcome Klopp to Liverpool when he took the manager’s job in 2015.

Nine years on, could he be the man to succeed him this summer?

None of Liverpool’s starting XI from Klopp’s first game back in 2015 remain at the club, highlighting how the German has transformed the team over the past nine years.

Liverpool players were reportedly only informed this morning that Klopp will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Man United are unlikely to be sad to see the back of Klopp.

Liverpool have recorded the two biggest wins in their history against the Red Devils with Klopp in charge.

Xabi Alonso has declared that he is ‘really happy’ at Bayer Leverkusen despite emerging as the favourite to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said: ‘I have huge respect and admiration for Jurgen. I am really happy here, I am enjoying my work here. I am feeling each day and each game is a challenge. I am on a beautiful journey in Leverkusen.

‘The next one, I don’t know. I am thinking about where I am right now. I am in a great place and I am enjoying.

‘Saturday is what really matters. I don’t really care what is going to happen in the future right now.’

Klopp stepping down has sent shockwaves around the football world, particularly on Merseyside, and it was a similar situation back in 1974 when Bill Shankly announced he was resigning.

Klopp has left a lasting impact wherever he has been, and there was not a dry eye in the house for his final home game at Borussia Dortmund.

We can expect much of the same when he bids his final farewell to the Kop.

Klopp’s announcement has even had an effect on rival fans!

TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods is a known Arsenal fan, but has admitted she is ‘upset’ that Klopp will be leaving the Premier League this summer.

Liverpool are back in action on Sunday when they face Norwich in the FA Cup at Anfield.

Klopp has built a remarkable connection with the Liverpool fans during his tenure, and can expect a huge ovation from them once more this weekend.

According to Sky Bet, Xabi Alonso is the clear favourite, but Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi could also be in the running.

Whoever gets it faces a huge task to follow in Klopp’s footsteps.

Let’s face it, there have been plenty! Klopp’s time in England has certainly been entertaining.

Mail Sport has picked out his best moments from over the last nine years.

Klopp has admitted he could call time on his managerial career after leaving Liverpool, and has vowed to never coach another Premier League club.

Liverpool have had some iconic managers over the years including Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, but Klopp is in the conversation.

According to Opta, Klopp has the best-ever win percentage for a Liverpool manager, and is the only one to win all four major trophies.

Liverpool have been labelled the ‘mentality monsters’, and the stats back that up.

Under Klopp, no Premier League team has won more points from losing positions than the Reds.

Xabi Alonso has taken to management like a duck to water after being one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Mail Sport spent two days closely observing his work at Bayer Leverkusen to see what makes him tick.

Klopp admitted his wife, Ulla, convinced him to extend his contract at Liverpool back in 2022, but she has previously raised concerns about the toll working in football has taken on him.

Mail Sport has taken a look at the influence Ulla has had on Klopp’s decision-making during his illustrious career on the touchline.

Is ANYONE staying at Liverpool!?

The club have just announced sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will also leave next week at the end of the January transfer window.

Klopp and Tuchel were rivals when the latter was at Chelsea, but there is nothing but respect between the two German managers.

Bayern Munich boss Tuchel has responded to today’s news by labelling Klopp ‘one of the very best coaches in the world’.

Fans have debated who is better out of Klopp and Pep Guardiola for years, and when it comes to winning streaks they cannot be separated.

Both men have led their clubs to 18 successive league wins, with Liverpool’s coming during their title-winning season in 2019-20.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has reacted to today’s announcement, admitting he is stunned to see Klopp walking away.

Klopp still has a few months left but attention will soon turn to who could fill the void he will leave behind.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender for the role after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga this season.

Liverpool are still involved in four competitions this season, and booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday.

Will they lift another trophy/trophies before he walks away from Anfield this summer?

Gary Lineker has joined Jamie Carragher in hailing Klopp’s impact at Liverpool as the football words continues to react to his huge announcement.

Jurgen Klopp will speak to the press this afternoon. I wonder what will be on the agenda!

Klopp has been in charge of a staggering 464 games for Liverpool, and will add to that number between now and the end of the season.

His win rate currently stands at 62 per cent, and he has won seven trophies.

Klopp is known for getting animated on the touchline during games, but he has revealed that part of the reason for him leaving is that he is ‘running out of energy’.

Below is his explanation in full…

Klopp has won every available major trophy during his time at Liverpool, but which one should be considered the best?

He led the Reds to the Champions League in 2019, and then ended their 30-year wait for a league title the following year – both outstanding achievements.

Klopp was due to remain at Liverpool until at least 2026, but has decided to cut his time at the club short.

In an emotional interview for the club’s website, he has explained why he has made the difficult decision to leave.

Legendary Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has hailed Klopp on X following today’s shock announcement.

The end of an era is nigh at Liverpool, with Klopp set to walk away after nine years,

The Reds boss has revealed why he feels now is the time for him to step down.

We bring you the shock news that Jurgen Klopp has announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Stick with us as we keep you up-to-date with all the latest reaction to Klopp’s imminent departure after nine years at Anfield.