Liverpool are at risk of decline just like Man Utd after Sir Alex Ferguson left, says former club legend
LIVERPOOL are at risk of a decline after Jurgen Klopp leaves, according to John Arne Riise.
The Reds legend fears his former club could face a similar fate to Manchester United in the 11 years since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
Ferguson retired in 2013 following more then 26 years as United manager.
However, the club have failed to add to the 13 Premier League titles he won in the 11 years since and are on their fifth permanent manager in that period.
Liverpool now face the task of replacing their own iconic manager as Jurgen Klopp steps down at the end of the season.
Since his appointment in 2015, the Reds have won eight major trophies, including both the Champions League and Premier League.
Riise fears his old side are at risk of a decline, telling BoyleSports: “There is always a risk of a Fergie-style decline once Klopp leaves.
“That’s always a danger. When a manager leaves, will all the players stay? Who is coming in? Having that connection means a lot to players, and will they stay when he leaves? Will they have the same belief when a new manager comes in?
“It doesn’t always have to be the manager’s fault, if the players just don’t have the same feeling towards them. That’s why the next manager is a huge step for the club.
“So it’s not only who gets appointed, it’s who is going to stay? Who will tell their agent they want to leave now Klopp has left?”
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Klopp could still add to his trophy haul before departing, with Liverpool eyeing both a league title and the Europa League this term.
Meanwhile, his replacement has reportedly been identified after the club reached a “verbal agreement” with Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim.
As for Riise, the ex-left-back made 348 appearances during seven years at Anfield.
The Norwegian was also part of the side which beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.