If you were choosing the perfect moment to sack a Liverpool manager, it wouldn’t be straight after a Merseyside derby.
Clearly the owners, Fenway Sports Group, have a plan for replacing the Antrim native and in a statement they said that the search is underway and they hope “to make an appointment in a decisive and timely manner”.
SportsJOE examine the leading candidates for what remains one of the most coveted jobs in European club football.
Jurgen Klopp
The name that has been haunting Rodgers since his Anfield dream started to turn into a nightmare, the much-admired former Borussia Dortmund manager is currently taking a break from the game and, only today, the Bosnian media were claiming the German and his assistant Zeldjko Buvac had signed three-year contracts with Liverpool.
PROS: He is currently available and keen to manage in the Premier League. Has experience of managing a huge club against better funded domestic rivals. Has been anointed by club elders.
CONS: While he appears to be red hot favourite for the post, he has no experience in the Premier League and there is a chance, with his reputation, that he could be wooed by a Champions League club.
Frank de Boer
Has not be slow about making his interest known, practically touting himself for both the Newcastle and Liverpool jobs this week. “I think every year it comes closer of course. I’m looking maybe for another adventure,” he said of a move to the Premier League.
PROS: Having played at the highest level, Holland’s record cap-holder would have the respect of the Liverpool squad. Won four straight Eredivisie with Ajax between 2011 and 2014.
CONS: His only managerial experience is with Ajax in Holland. He would be moving from a big fish in a small pool to a big fish in a gigantic pool, populated by sharks.
Carlo Ancelotti
Replaced by former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez at Real Madrid, the hugely successful Italian enjoyed his stint in the Premier League with Chelsea and could possibly be tempted into going somewhere after Benitez, for a change.
PROS: League titles in three different countries, plus three Champions Leagues. The Premier League would welcome back his wit, laid-back attitude and magnificent eyebrows. Would not be intimidated by pressure of Liverpool.
CONS: Not many, to be honest. Would he want it?
Ronald Koeman
The second Dutchman on the list and perhaps a better fit than De Boer. Koeman has impressed since taking over at Southampton, not least when masterminding a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
PROS: Has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. His teams play a fast, attacking style of football that Liverpool fans would love. Appears to be a very canny transfer market operator.
CONS: His record at big clubs outside Holland (Valencia and Benfica) was unconvincing.
Andre Villas-Boas
Who wouldn’t like to see the crouching one back in the Premier League? Well, quite a lot of Liverpool fans we would wager, but he was interviewed for the job last time and might be tempted away from Zenit St Petersburg.
PROS: Did lead Tottenham to fifth in the Premier League, has won titles in Portugal and Russia. Seems to possess bullet-proof confidence and the ability to land plum gigs.
CONS: His hand in squandering the Gareth Bale booty cannot be forgotten, nor can his crumbling under (admittedly) not inconsiderable pressure at Chelsea.
