Zeljko Buvac has taken a leave of absence as Liverpool assistant manager for personal reasons.

Jurgen Klopp has described Buvac as “the brain” behind his coaching set-up, is “spending some time away from the first team environment between now and the end of the season” according to Liverpool, who have declined to comment further on what they regard as a private matter.

Buvac may leave Liverpool permanently this summer.

Buvac met Klopp when they were players at Mainz, where they had a gentleman’s agreement that whoever went into management first would take the other as their assistant. 

Buvac has cut a distant figure at Melwood and during first team matches.