Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure from Liverpool has sparked concerns of an exodus of staff members, with former player Ryan Babel warning that the number could reach 40. Babel, who played for Liverpool from 2007 to 2011, told Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur that apart from Klopp, a significant number of staff members, including kitchen staff, analysts, and other personnel, were set to leave the club. He emphasized that replacing such a large number of individuals would be a significant challenge for any incoming manager.
Babel later clarified that the departing staff members had been brought to Anfield by Klopp. While he did not explicitly name Arne Slot, the current favorite to replace Klopp, his comments serve as a clear warning to the Dutchman. Babel tweeted: “Any manager having the desire to take the #LFC job has to know that it has to bring more than just a coaching staff to the club. More than 30 people behind the scenes who Klopp brought in, who were a MAJOR part of #LFC success over the years are leaving too. Tough job.”
Babel’s concerns were echoed by former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who described the move from Feyenoord to Liverpool as a “huge jump” for Slot. Carragher pointed out that Slot’s experience at Feyenoord, where he led the team to the Eredivisie title last season and the KNVB Cup this year, was significantly different from the challenges he would face at Liverpool. He highlighted that previous managers like Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp had come to Liverpool with more impressive track records and that the club was now in a different position, with expectations to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Despite these warnings, Slot remains the favorite to replace Klopp at Anfield. Liverpool chiefs have already opened discussions with Feyenoord over Slot’s future, and an announcement could be made as early as this weekend. It remains to be seen whether Slot will be able to navigate the challenges posed by the expected staff departures and lead Liverpool to continued success.
