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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher debate Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool legacy as Arne Slot task clear

(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have discussed Jürgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool -Credit:(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)


Liverpool has just one match left of the Jürgen Klopp era with the German bringing the curtain down on his tenure against Wolves this weekend. Klopp was serenaded throughout Monday night's draw with Aston Villa, in what was final away match in the Premier League.

The match was a fitting tribute to Klopp's legacy with the two sides playing out a thrilling 3-3 draw. Liverpool had led 3-1 going into the closing stages of the match before a late double from Villa substitute Jhon Durán.

The Reds have now scored 84 times and conceded 41 goals this term, tallies only beaten three times respectively during Klopp's tenure. The result led Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville to ask colleague Jamie Carragher if Klopp was in fact Liverpool's most-exciting manager ever.

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Anfield legend Carragher was in agreement, saying on Monday Night Football: "I think you are right but that is something for the neutral. When it is your team, I don't think you want to be known as the most exciting or the best watch, or the most entertaining. I would rather win trophies."

But Neville responded: "They aren't exclusive points. You can do both, it doesn't have to be either or. He has won trophies, he won the Premier League and Champions League."

Should Liverpool concede more than one goal against Wolves on Sunday, it will be the second-worst defensive performance under Klopp in the Premier League. And Carragher believes the first task for his replacement — likely Arne Slot — is clear.

"If you are the new manager coming in, the first thing you are looking at is Liverpool defensively," he said. When Liverpool finished second to City, that was my favorite type of football with Klopp getting everything right. Liverpool was strong defensively and so exciting and attacking. It is difficult to play that style of football and getting that balance exactly right."

Neville also paid a tribute to Klopp, who has finished above his beloved Manchester United in five of Klopp's eight full seasons. He added: "He plays football the right way; everything out there on the pitch, players going forward, players pressing, scoring goals. We hear a lot about structure and styles but we need teams like that.

"I would always say he is my favorite manager. The personality, the character, the style of play. There is electricity to it. It was heavy-metal when he first arrived but he has adapted. His Dortmund team was amazing to watch and so is this Liverpool side."

Liverpool.com says: There is no doubt that Klopp's style of play has won over so many and Liverpool has been involved in some thrilling matches this season. The draw with Villa was right up there and fans will hope for another great game on Sunday. Arne Slot is also known for an attacking approach and that may well have won over the Liverpool board ahead of his likely appointment.