Liverpool Make Formal Contact With Managerial Duo As Rodgers Speaks Out After Sack

Liverpool have made formal contact with both Jurgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti as the Merseysiders look for a new manager after sacking Brendan Rodgers on Sunday night, according to Sky Sports.

The Reds owners decided it was time for a change of direction after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Everton yesterday which left the club with just one win from their last nine games in all competitions.

After consecutive wins at the start of the season, Liverpool have only managed to beat Aston Villa since August 17th with the club being held at home by the likes of Norwich, Carlisle and FC Sion while they’ve also tasted disappointing defeats at the hands of Man Utd and West Ham.

Sunday’s draw at Everton was the final straw and FSG clearly thought now was the best time for a change of manager as the international break means their next match isn’t until October 17th, when they head to Tottenham.

Rodgers was informed via telephone last night that he was no longer seen as the man to take the club forward and the Northern Irishman has now spoken out for the first time following his dismissal.

The 42-year-old has released a statement via the League Managers Association [LMA] expressing his disappointment at being sacked but has thanked everyone associated with Liverpool Football Club for their support during his time at Anfield.

The statement said:

“I have worked every day to represent the club to the best of my ability, to develop both individual players and a team that the club’s magnificent fans can be proud of. There have been some very memorable moments during my time at Liverpool and I would like to thank all of the players for their hard work and commitment. The current squad is one in transition, but they have some real talent and are showing a strong sense of togetherness. I expect to see them continue to grow and develop over the coming weeks and I wish them and my successor well for the rest of the season.

“Liverpool has a magnificent football heritage and I have nothing but respect and admiration for the history, tradition and values that make the city and the club so exceptional. As well as my players, I would like to thank everyone connected with the club; Fenway Sports Group, the Liverpool Directors, in particular Ian Ayre, my coaching staff, the staff throughout the club, the volunteers, the Academy staff and its young players and of course the amazing Liverpool fans for their unwavering support, passion and dedication which has made my time at the club so special.

“Finally, I would like to give a special mention to John W. Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon. They gave me this great opportunity and even though we will no longer be working together I am sure our relationship and friendship will continue into the future.”

There has been plenty of speculation over who’s been lined-up to replace Rodgers but Sky Sports claim that Liverpool have now made formal contact with the representatives of both Klopp and Ancelotti.

Klopp is currently on sabbatical after leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer but has made it clear he’d cut short his holiday if the right job became available and he’s currently the odds on favourite to take over at Anfield.

Ancelotti is also many Liverpool fans’ preferred option due to his huge reputation in the game. The Italian has won major trophies with AC Milan, PSG and most recently Real Madrid where he won their 10th Champions League before being sacked in the summer.

The 56-year-old has also got experience of managing in the Premier League after guiding Chelsea to the double during a two-year spell at Stamford Bridge between 2009-2011.

However, Klopp remains the favourite and Sky Sports News claim that Liverpool are keen to appoint a successor to Rodgers as quickly as possible so I’m sure we’ll hear more developments over the coming days.

For me, Klopp seems the obvious choice and he’d be a great fit at Liverpool so as long as a deal can be agreed, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him confirmed as the new boss before the end of the week.

Who would you like to see take over at Liverpool? Leave your comments below….