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Barc-ing mad
Jurgen Klopp ‘lined up for immediate’ return to management with European giants just minutes after quitting Liverpool
German could soon find himself facing off against Reds in the Champions League
JURGEN KLOPP has emerged as a managerial candidate for Barcelona, reports suggest.
Klopp shocked the world of football by announcing he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
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The German took over at Anfield in October 2015 but he has now decided to call time on his Reds career.
This surprise move has opened the door for Barcelona to make an attempted swoop for the 56-year-old.
According to Spanish outlet , Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a long-term admirer of Klopp.
And given the club's struggles with current boss Xavi Hernandez, the Blaugrana may be prompted into a change of leadership at the end of the season.
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Laporta, 61, is said to be a huge admirer of German coaches in general given their success, ability to control dressing rooms and launch projects.
Klopp has more than proven his ability to launch a project with Liverpool, restoring them to being both English and European heavyweights.
Indeed, the report adds Laporta considers Klopp a "dream" manager for Barcelona.
However, no move has been made by the reigning La Liga champions to make this a reality.
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Klopp himself appeared to suggest he would be taking a break from football once his spell with Liverpool is concluded.
In an emotional farewell video, Klopp said: "I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff.
"I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now.
"I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
Liverpool next manager hunt
By Chisanga Malata
LIVERPOOL are on the hunt for a new manager following the shock revelation that Jurgen Klopp will leave the club.
The German dropped the bombshell news on Friday morning, leaving Kopite around the world stunned.
Fans' attentions have now turned to who will replace the iconic German in the Anfield dugout.
And SunSport is on hand with the five standout candidates to succeed the club's soon-to-be former iconic manager.
Xabi Alonso
The former Reds midfielder is the favourite to replace Klopp after a stellar one-and-a-half seasons in charge of Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso has a 64 per cent win ratio for the Bundesliga outfit, who he guided to a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football last season.
Roberto De Zerbi
The Italian has been a revelation for Brighton since replacing
Graham Potter at the Amex in September 2022.
Brighton finished in sixth place last season, a mere five points behind Liverpool.
Jose Mourinho
The former Chelsea and Manchester United is currently a free agent after being axed by Italian giants Roma this month.
Mourinho has had a fiery history with the club in the past, but he'd be the perfect man to bring in if the Reds brass want to bring in a big-name manager.
Unai Emery
The Spaniard has well and truly bounced back from a disastrous spell with Arsenal at Villa Park.
Emery guided Aston Villa to a seventh-placed finish last season, a feat they're on course to better as they're currently fourth in the Premier League table.
Steven Gerrard
The Reds icon has been touted as a future manager of the club ever since he hung up his playing boots.
His ill-fated spell at Aston Villa, however, may put the club off from an emotional managerial Anfield return.
And on top of that, the former England man has just signed a new contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq.
“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth."
If Klopp were to take charge of Barcelona, he would face the possibility of playing Liverpool in the Champions League.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss told Liverpool chiefs of his decision to quit in November.
Assistant manager Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also join Klopp in departing.
He oversaw the Reds' first league win in 30 years in 2020 - a year after guiding them to Champions League glory.
Klopp's Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League.
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Crucially, a title at the end of this season would put the Reds on 20 English league titles, drawing them level with rivals Manchester United for the most titles won.
They have also reached the knockout rounds of the Europa League, are still in the FA Cup and have reached the Carabao Cup final where they will play against Chelsea.
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