Shankly exit triggered succession plan. Will Klopp departure derail Liverpool?

The departures of two Liverpool legends, separated by 50 years, have striking similarities but potentially one fundamental difference

A mural paying tribute to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Randolph Street, near Anfield Stadium. Klopp will stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season. The 56-year-old has informed the club’s ownership of his decision to stand down, having taken charge at Liverpool in 2015. Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Tony Wilson stands on the corner of Lime Street and London Road and breaks the news to disbelieving Liverpool fans that their beloved, charismatic manager is leaving. The young reporter for Granada TV breaks their hearts too. For Bill Shankly in 1974 read Jürgen Klopp 2024. The news may be relayed differently half a century later but the profound sense of shock and the despair that a transformational era is ending are exactly the same.

The famous old footage of “Mr Manchester” seeking reaction to Shankly’s exit was all over social media within minutes of Liverpool dropping the bombshell news that Klopp’s nine-year reign will finish at the end of this season. It seemed appropriate.