Rodgers out?

Liverpool has been through a bit of a roller coaster ride since Rodgers took the helm three years ago. His first season was bad but finished on a high note as the team began to accept his philosophies. His second was outstanding as Liverpool nearly won the title if not for a few unfortunate errors. Then Rodgers had to rebuild his team once again as Suarez left for Barcelona and the Reds struggled to integrate the hosts of new players they signed in the summer. It seemed as though Rodgers' team was back as they stormed up the Premier League table to be within a shot of finishing in the top four and in the semifinals of the FA Cup and so fans once again hailed Rodgers as their savior.

Now Liverpool are out of the Cup and it seems as though the top four challenge is over after defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United in the last month. Now the question is being asked if Rodgers is still the right man for Liverpool right now. Liverpool fans, including myself, have been patient over the years of Liverpool's struggles and many of us still believe that Rodgers is the man for the job. But there is something else going on in Europe that might be enough to cause the owners to part ways with Rodgers. Highly rated manager of Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp, is now available for hire.

After seven years with Dortmund Klopp has announced that he will leave the German side at the end of the season and looks to get right back to work as soon as possible. It appears to be a match made in heaven, a match that might be too good to turn down. Klopp has spoken of his admiration for both the Premier League as well as saying he is a fan of Liverpool in recent years so it is not unreasonable to link Klopp with the Liverpool job. Klopp's Dortmund defied the odds to win the Bundesliga twice and reaching the final of the Champions League during his time as manager. His team played with pace and high pressure, making stars out of underrated and inexpensive players. Sound familiar, it should because the same could be said of Rodgers' Liverpool, with less success it should be said.

Fans that oppose the appointment of Klopp will surely cite Dortmund's 2014/15 season as a reason not to hire the German. Dortmund were at one time in danger of relegation at one point. Klopp, much like Rodgers, turned things around to an extent and has brought them in the top half of the table, still not great but better than it could have turned out. Their team suffered similar afflictions as Liverpool with their top goalscorer, Robert Lewandowski leaving for bitter rivals Bayern Munich last summer and they failed to adequately replace him. This coupled with an extremely leaky defense led to their troubles. It must be asked if Klopp is capable of shaping up Liverpool's defensive woes if he was unable to do so while at Dortmund.

It is still unclear the path that Liverpool with take. Will they give Rodgers another season to solidify this new team or will they start a new era with a new manager, with Klopp being just one qualified candidate. I for one am torn. Rodgers has led Liverpool out of the darkness and has brought some good times back to Liverpool, including the Champions League. But with no trophies in 3 years, a top 4 finish looking unlikely, and a failure to perform well against top teams, it may be time for Liverpool to move on to bigger and better things. Let me reiterate, I am a fan of Brendan Rodgers. What I am saying is that I am a bigger fan of Jurgen Klopp. I have faith that Liverpool's owners and managers will make the right decision on Liverpool's future, and I await that decision with anticipation, as I do with all news pertaining to my beloved Liverpool.