Yahoo News Manager that Jurgen Klopp clashed with emerges as 'possible' Liverpool successor
Former Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager, according to a report.
The Reds are preparing for life without their highly successful manager as the German prepares to step down from his role at the end of the season. In January, the 56-year-old made the shock announcement that he will be leaving the Anfield hot seat at the end of the season.
Liverpool are chasing European and Premier League success, although have suffered two bitterly disappointing defeats in their last two respective fixtures. Change is occurring behind the scenes as preparations are underway to replace Klopp and his departing backroom staff, while Richard Hughes will become the clubs' new sporting director from June 1.
READ MORE: Liverpool are giving Jurgen Klopp and his replacement big problems in two areas
In a report from the Daily Mail, former Bayern and Wolfsburg boss Kovac has emerged as a candidate. The 52-year-old was sacked by Die Wolfe in March following a 3-1 defeat to FC Augsburg that left them in mid-table.
Kovac has the likes of Croatia's senior national team, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco on his managerial CV - winning the DFB Pokal with the German club. During his time at the Allianz Arena, he picked up league and cup success with Bayern but was knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool in 2019.
It was during that European clash where the pair were involved in a heated confrontation. Klopp said: "No, no, no. I wanted to shake Niko's hand immediately and then he went in the crowd of his players. I thought he shakes the whole of Bayern's hands.
"Then when he came back I said 'I am waiting' and he apologised and I said no problem and he wants to apologise again. That's how it was."
At the time, Kovac responded: "That was funny. We were on English soil. In Germany it is normal when games end you shake hands with your players."
The report suggests that the Croatian's representatives have been in London and sounded out Premier League clubs ahead of any changes this summer. For the Anfield role, Ruben Amorim has emerged as the favourite and continues to be linked with the soon-to-be-vacant position as he looks to lead Sporting CP to a second Liga Portugal title under his leadership.
Xabi Alonso was the immediate favourite, following his success with Bayer Leverkusen, but the former Liverpool midfielder affirmed his intention of remaining with Die Werkself. He has since guided Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title with the possibility of a treble remaining due to their continued Europa League and DFB Pokal campaigns.
