"Taking over from Klopp" - Fans ponder whether ex-Chelsea boss could be new Liverpool boss in 'funniest plot twist' as he attends Reds vs Fulham
Fans are asking whether iconic former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could be Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool. The Portuguese was spotted in the stands at Craven Cottage to watch the Reds face Fulham today (April 21).
Mourinho has been out of management since January after AS Roma sacked him. He's yet to take up a new job and speculation has grown regarding his next destination.
The Anfield managerial job will be vacated this summer when Klopp departs. The German coach will end a nine-year reign and the Merseysiders will have big shoes to fill.
Klopp is trying to end his reign by guiding his side to the Premier League title. They encounter Fulham today at Craven Cottage and Mourinho was on hand to watch the title challengers up close.
Mourinho is a proven winner and fans know all about his success from his time in the Premier League. The four-time FIFA Best Coach of the Year's most successful tenure came at Chelsea where he won three titles in two spells.
The Portuguese tactician also led Manchester United to the UEFA Europa League in 2017. If he were to replace Klopp at Liverpool it would be his fourth Premier League club as he also coached Tottenham Hotspur.
Fans have given intriguing responses to the sight of Mourinho at Craven Cottage.
One fan asked whether the former Real Madrid coach was replacing Klopp:
"Taking over from Klopp??"
A Manchester United fan explained how hilarious the former Red Devils boss taking the reigns at Anfield would be:
"Mourinho coaching Liverpool will be the funniest plot twist ever."
Here's how other fans on X (formerly Twitter) reacted to Mourinho's visit to watch Klopp's side:
"I guess we know who will be the next Liverpool manager," one fan figured.
"He's the man for the job," another fan claimed.
"The scenes and meltdown if he becomes the Liverpool manager," one fan highlighted.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp backed ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to continue coaching
Mourinho continues to find himself one of the most coveted managers in world football. He started his managerial career with Benfica 24 years ago and has since coached the likes of FC Porto, Chelsea, Madrid, United, and Roma.
The Portuguese coach was linked with a return to Stamford Bridge but the Blues reportedly ruled this out. He could be looking to return to Premier League football but wouldn't be going up against Klopp who leaves Liverpool this summer.
Nevertheless, Klopp joked that Mourinho was one of the iconic coaches he expects to continue on for the next 20 years. He said (via Tribuna):
"The dinosaurs if you want – (Carlo) Ancelotti, Mourinho, (Pep) Guardiola, maybe me – we will not do it for the next 20 years. OK, maybe Mourinho will."
You wouldn't put it past the former Chelsea boss, 61, to still be managing a top club in 20 years' time. His passion and dedication to the sport are why he's won titles in England, Spain, Portugal, and Italy.