Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be without long-term assistant Zeljko Buvac for Wednesday’s trip to Roma, amidst reports of a dispute between the pair.
It was reported on Friday morning that Buvac had left Liverpool, although the Reds quickly clarified to BBC Sport that he was still employed by the club and was only on leave until the end of the season.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be without long-term assistant Zeljko Buvac for Wednesday’s trip to Roma, amidst reports of a dispute between the pair.
It was reported on Friday morning that Buvac had left Liverpool, although the Reds quickly clarified to BBC Sport that he was still employed by the club and was only on leave until the end of the season.
However, renowned journalist Duncan Castles, in a story for the Daily Record, claims his 17-year coaching relationship with Klopp has ‘ended’ after a season which saw the pair ‘come into conflict’.
“Klopp and Buvac had a big falling out,” an unnamed Reds source told the newspaper. “And Buvac has been left completely out of the loop of late.
“They stand apart in training, Buvac doesn't go to tactical meetings, and he is no longer involved in picking the team. In the past, he was the only one who had Klopp’s ear.
“The relationship had broken down, and the players have been told Buvac is gone.”
It is widely seen as blow to Liverpool’s preparations for their Champions League semi-final second leg against Roma on Tuesday, despite their 5-2 lead in the tie.