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LONDON. – Jurgen Klopp’s assistant manager, Zeljko Buvac, has sensationally walked out on Liverpool just two days before the second leg of their Champions League soccer semi-final.
Buvac (56) has worked alongside Klopp for the best part of 17 years, working as No. 2 to the Anfield chief at Mainz, Borussia Dortmund and the Reds.
Buvac, known as “the brain”, has been Klopp’s right-hand man during his rise, having first met the 50-year-old during their playing days at Mainz.
Mirror Sport understands that Buvac tendered his resignation on Sunday – when some Liverpool players were also told – in a move that will come as a major shock just days ahead of their clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
Liverpool confirmed yesterday morning that he will step aside from his role between now and the end of the season “for personal reasons”.
Buvac and Klopp have a relationship dating back to 1992, when the Bosnian Serb first joined Mainz.
A Daily Record report had suggested that relationship has broken down and that Buvac is departing after a fallout with Klopp, having been excluded from tactical meetings.
It was also claimed Buvac had become little more than a spare part on Merseyside, no longer involved in picking the team.
Buvac sat on the bench during the 0-0 draw with Stoke on Saturday. He was also there during the 5-2 first leg win over Roma last Tuesday. – The Mirror.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter