Mauricio Pochettino backed to make sensational Liverpool switch as ex-Reds defender admits fans will think he's 'absolutely mad' for tipping Chelsea boss to replace Jurgen Klopp

Klopp's impending departure from the Reds has triggered a flurry of conjecture regarding his potential successor. Initially, Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, was considered the frontrunner for the coveted position. However, Alonso's recent commitment to Leverkusen has diverted attention to other managerial prospects, with Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim and Brighton's Robert De Zerbi emerging as contenders for the role.

However, former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has proposed an unconventional solution to the managerial dilemma, advocating for the appointment of Pochettino, despite his turbulent debut season at Chelsea. He expressed his support for Pochettino's potential move to Liverpool, citing the Argentine's track record in the Premier League and insisted that Chelsea's current struggles cannot be blamed on the former Tottenham manager.

Speaking to Betfred, Johnson said: "I know people will think that I’m absolutely mad, but Mauricio Pochettino is a big name that can go into that job and grab everyone's attention.

"That would excite people despite what’s happened at Chelsea this season because I don’t believe what’s gone on there is Mauricio’s fault. You don’t become a bad manager overnight and if he inherited that Liverpool squad, then I believe he could do good things at Anfield."

However, Johnson also emphasised the formidable task awaiting Klopp's successor, adding: "I’m concerned for anyone that has to fill Jurgen Klopp’s shoes. I’m sure that Liverpool will have successful managers again in the future, but to immediately follow Jürgen is a tough job. Anyone who goes there now has a very uphill job to do. It doesn’t matter who you are, it’s going to be a tough job."

As Liverpool navigate the final stretch of the Premier League season, Klopp's men face an uphill battle to secure a perfect run and rely on slip-ups from Manchester City and Arsenal to ensure a triumphant conclusion to the German's tenure at Merseyside. After two successive defeats to Atalanta and Crystal Palace in the Europa League and Premier League, respectively, Klopp will look to overturn the 3-0 deficit aggregate deficit against the Serie A side in the second leg of their quarter-final tie in Bergamo on Thursday to keep their continental hopes alive.