Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher has questioned the move for Arne Slot.
The Feyenoord coach is a step away from being named as new Liverpool manager.
"If Klopp was in charge next season, Liverpool would move forward and challenge again at home and in Europe," Carragher wrote in his column for The Telegraph. "With Slot, that absolute belief will give way to hope.
"That's not intended in any way as a criticism of the incoming Dutchman. Once Klopp announced he was going and Xabi Alonso ruled himself out, Liverpool's options were limited.
"No matter how brilliant Slot is – and no one wins a league title or leads a side to a European final without serious credentials – the next coach was always going to be highly regarded, but not one to necessarily get pulses racing. There is no one available to replicate Klopp's aura, authority and natural connection with the supporters – that 'X-factor' which is so elusive.
"Since the Slot news broke, I have heard and read many perspectives suggesting that the choice makes sense tactically and how the data regarding Feynoord's style makes him a natural fit. Slot is an appointment made with the head rather than the heart. Klopp's appeal was to the head and heart."
