Liverpool legend calls for major Anfield change to honour Jurgen Klopp

Robbie Fowler has called for the name change of an iconic Anfield stand to honour the departing Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp shocked the footballing world on Friday when he announced that after nine glory-laden seasons, he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the campaign.

Shaking Reds fans to their core, supporters are still struggling to accept the reality that they'll soon have to adapt to life without Klopp at the helm - the man who has taken their club from obscurity to the pinnacle of the sport.

And now, fellow all-time Liverpool great Fowler believes the club should change the name of their famous Kop stand to the 'Klopp' for his final ever game.

Writing in the Mirror, Fowler said: "Jurgen Klopp will be remembered as Liverpool’s greatest ever manager - and I am calling on the club to rename the most famous stand in football ‘The Klopp’ for his final game at Anfield.

"‌I am sure there will be a more permanent reminder of the man commissioned at some stage. I’ve always questioned the principle of building memorials to pay tribute to people after they have passed away. Liverpool’s fans will want to show Jurgen the love while he can appreciate it himself."

Of course, Liverpool still have half a season to go before Klopp bids farewell - and in that time, they'll be in the fight for a shower of silverware.

Some may be concerned that the German's announcement could throw the team's focus, with the players potentially dwelling more on sending their manager off in the right fashion.

However, Fowler believes Klopp's impending departure will only get the best out of the squad in what will be a vital few months.

He said: "I am not unduly worried that Liverpool’s players will lose focus during their manager’s farewell tour.

"I actually think it can galvanise them even more - and if he can harness the outpouring of passion that will be generated by the supporters then Liverpool could become an unstoppable driving force.

‌"The Reds can still win a quadruple - and what a fitting end it would be if Jurgen’s final act at Anfield was to lift the Premier League trophy in front of a full house."

Following Klopp's earth-shattering announcement, attention inevitably turned to who could possibly replace such a figure in the dugout.

For the vast majority of fans, the answer was Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Red Xabi Alonso - and Fowler, a former teammate of Alonso's, understands this sentiment.

"He was always very astute and was a leader on the pitch - and it is clear he has taken those qualities into management," he said.

"Making him Liverpool boss at the age of 42 and after just two seasons on the touchline would be the kind of gamble the club made back in the mid-1980s when Kenny Dalglish became player-manager.‌

"I’m not sure the king-makers at Anfield are the kind of people to take a punt - and they will do all the due diligence necessary before making an appointment."