Klopp loses his ‘Brain’

LIVERPOOL’S preparations for their Champions league showdown in rome have been rocked by the sudden departure of assistant manager Zeljko Buvac. Jurgen Klopp informed his squad on Sunday morning that Buvac, who the liverpool manager calls ‘The Brain’ due to input into tactics and training, had taken a leave of absence from Anfield. The players were told that the 56-year-old, who has been Klopp’s No 2 for 17 years, would not report back for duty for the rest of the season. The club have put the dramatic departure down to

‘personal reasons’ and have offered no comment other than indicating that they will respect Buvac’s privacy.

Buvac, who was on the bench during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw with stoke on saturday, has four years left on the longterm deal he signed in 2016 and remains employed by the club. Liverpool insist there is a chance that Buvac will come back to work at the end of the season, but the timing of his departure raises questions about whether he will return.

there is no indication that Klopp and Buvac have had a bust-up. But the Bosnianserb has become a more distant figure at the club’s Melwood training ground.

there was speculation yesterday that he could go back to Borussia Dortmund — where he and Klopp won the Bundesliga twice, but Lucien Favre remains favourite for that job.

No decision has been made about what will happen, should Buvac not come back.

there is no prospect of steven Gerrard being promoted from the Under 18s, after holding fresh talks with Rangers yesterday. And the former Liverpool midfielder could take charge at Ibrox before the end of the week.

Klopp’s immediate priority is finalising preparations for tomorrow’s second leg in Rome. Liverpool hold a 5-2 advantage from the first leg.