Perry Groves has spoken about whether Liverpool fans would accept a manager like Gareth Southgate amid debate over how well he is performing as England boss.
The former Arsenal player doesn’t think the England manager is getting the best out of the ‘elite’ players at his disposal, as he told talkSPORT.
But when a Liverpool fan told Groves that Gareth Southgate is doing a top job, he proceeded to ask if that supporter would happily replace the former centre-back with Jurgen Klopp.
Of course, Klopp isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, even though there is talk of Germany wanting to bring him on board after sacking Hansi Flick.
The German’s current deal at Anfield expires in 2026 and you would expect, unless something drastic happens, that he is on board until that very date.
Nonetheless, when talking about Southgate’s tenure as England manager, this is what Groves had to say about the former Middlesbrough boss.
Gareth Southgate at England and Liverpool
“Are you a Liverpool fan? If Jurgen Klopp goes, do you take Gareth Southgate,” asked Groves to which the Liverpool fan responded: “It’s a different conversation because you can go out and buy players at (club level). But no.”
Groves added: “No, it isn’t because you are an elite club and they wanted to be in the Champions League. You have just waxed-lyrical about Gareth Southgate and he has an elite group of footballers that are coming through. Young, talented and hungry footballers.
“But you wouldn’t take Gareth Southgate at an elite club with elite footballers. You have just argued against yourself.”
Jurgen Klopp a Liverpool legend
Of course, Southgate won’t get anywhere near the Liverpool job, regardless of what he has done for England and will probably do next summer at the European Championships.
But the individual that has to replace Klopp down the line will have seriously big boots to fill and it wouldn’t be a surprise if that first person struggles.
Yes, Liverpool spend, but not to the extent of their rivals, so in some cases, the next one in line will have to punch above their weight, just like Klopp has done over the years.
