Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favourite among Liverpool supporters to succeed Jurgen Klopp as manager, a survey has found.
Klopp will call time on nine successful years in charge at Anfield at the end of the season after the German admitted he was feeling exhausted.
Attention has already turned to his successor and the bookmakers' favourite also appears to be the fan first-choice.
The Sky Bet Fan Hope survey, conducted by YouGov, found 63 per cent of Liverpool fans asked want Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso to be the club's next manager.
Former Reds midfielder Alonso, 42, is enjoying an outstanding campaign with Leverkusen, who crushed their Bundesliga title rivals Bayern Munich 3-0 last Saturday to move five points clear at the top.
Leverkusen are also still in both the German Cup and the UEFA Europa League ahead of what promises to be an exciting end to the season.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard ranked second among fans surveyed but his total of 18 per cent was a long way shy of his former team-mate Alonso.
Klopp's assistant Pep Lijnders received eight per cent, Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi four per cent and Ruben Amorim, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Frank two per cent apiece.
In a sign of the pressure Alonso or whoever replaces Klopp will find themselves under, 56 per cent of Liverpool fans expect a Premier League title challenge in their first season at the helm.
Meanwhile, 73 per cent of fans expect Klopp to sign off by wining at least two trophies this season, while an optimistic six per cent think Liverpool will scoop a Quadruple of Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.
The arrival of a new manager could see squad upheaval in the summer but the survey revealed Mohamed Salah is the one man fans don't want to see depart.
55 per cent of the Liverpool fans asked said they are most afraid of the Egyptian star leaving, a figure well ahead of goalkeeper Alisson Becker on 24 per cent and defender Virgil van Dijk on 21 per cent.
Liverpool, who are currently two points ahead of Manchester City at the Premier League summit, return to action at Brentford on Saturday lunchtime.
They host Luton Town next Wednesday before taking on Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on February 25.
pooadeptu
0
my club my life Liverpool
Ziucinrstu
0
Diego simeone
Zotceikotu
0
Increase Klopp's salary and allowances to keep him afloat at Anfield.
Sahemntu
0
I support pep klopps assistant at any time he understands the team and the system when klopp isn't around he command I don't why we think Alonso is ready for epl n a big club like Liverpool
cozaklnrsu
0
agree totally
Wembcdemtz
0
Xavi good candidate for the job, all the best Reds next season
austinooo
0
if this guy joins mancity he would be a passing master that for sure
so what is he at Liverpool? fool someone that's already the highest assisting EPL defender just keep hating..
wuyaeiptu
0
I don't give a fcuk whoever manage Liverpool next season. 1 thing for sure, next season Liverpool will finish out of top 4!
u are not a supporter of Liverpool, unmask urself. a coach doesn't determine the position if the player spirit is kept intact. ridjcard left barca after beating arsenal in 2006 then guadiola came fresh and new and 2009 won ucl and la liga, treble in 2011 when he left another came in 2015 and won treble
rodbemosu
0
I want Mr Klop don't go pls
Pukdeptz
1
I don't give a fcuk whoever manage Liverpool next season. 1 thing for sure, next season Liverpool will finish out of top 4!
kosaclmru
1
Jose Mourinho or Nigelsman
CHRISTOPAULK
0
I wanted Ruben Amorim
Mebacoy
0
Zizu or Alonso
rewdlmnpru
0
Anyone apart from slippy
Sihaimnp
0
Trent Alexander-Arnold has played more passes into the final third (273) than any other outfield player in the Premier League this season. Another big injury blow at the present moment 😔
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if this guy joins mancity he would be a passing master that for sure
Lihcenopr
0
no Zidane is the best but they won't go for him sham Zidane is someone who's players want to play for him definitely
dougiefresh
6
Trent Alexander-Arnold has played more passes into the final third (273) than any other outfield player in the Premier League this season. Another big injury blow at the present moment 😔
Lipaelnpsz
3
only pep Lijnder he can take klop style and tactics
wusiklmou
0
Nagelmann would be the right choice for us