LIVERPOOL have distanced themselves from reports that assistant manager Zeljko Buvac has quit the club.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s No 2 will be absent for the rest of the campaign.
‘The Brain’ as Zeljko is known, will not be in the dugout alongside Klopp as the Reds look to secure their place in the Champions League final and qualify for the competition next season.
Reports on Monday morning suggested the former Dortmund assistant had quit his role on Merseyside.
But Anfield officials insist Buvac hasn’t stepped down but is spending some time away from Liverpool for personal reasons.
The club’s position remains that the matter is private and no further comment will be made.
On Sunday evening, the Daily Record reported that Buvac and Klopp have been at war in recent weeks.
A source close to Liverpool told the publication: “Klopp and Buvac had a big falling out.
“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.”
Liverpool players have already been told of Buvac’s imminent departure and were said to be ‘shocked’ at the news.
Buvac and Klopp have worked together for 17 years.
The duo began their partnership at Mainz before moving to Dortmund together.
Buvac and Klopp led the German giants to two league titles and one Champions League final.
The No 2 was then brought to Liverpool by his confidant after two years out of work.
Source:www.express.co.uk