sent shockwaves through the world of football on Friday by announcing his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
In an emotional video message to the club’s fans, .
‘I am who I am, and where I am because of how I am. If I can’t do it anymore then tell the people I stop,’ he said at a subsequent and hastily arranged press conference.
‘It wasn’t my idea when I signed a new contract, I was 100% convinced we would go to 2026. I underestimated my energy levels as being endless. It always was. Now it’s not.’
According to the Telegraph, however, the primary reason for Klopp’s decision to walk away was a consequence of the rapid progress his team have made this season.
After the turbulent 2022/23 campaign, it appeared that Liverpool would require major surgery in order to be back in a position whereby they could challenge Manchester City’s domestic dominance again.
The departures of stalwarts Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino only heightened that opinion, but several shrewd acquisitions allied to the emergence of young talents such as Jarell Quansah has seen a new-look side emerge, one that is currently sustaining a challenge on four fronts.
Prior to Liverpool releasing their official statement yesterday, Klopp gathered his players on the training pitch and notified them of his intentions, citing their recent performances as a reason for his impending departure.
Klopp had been mindful of wanting to leave his eventual successor in a position of strength, rather than one where a major rebuild would be required.
Top of the Premier League, through to the Carabao Cup final and still involved in the Europa League as well as the FA Cup, the German believes he is now set to deliver on that intention, regardless of any silverware he is able to secure between now and his leaving date.
As for his replacement, Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder currently working wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, is the early frontrunner but Klopp his adamant he will play no part in selecting the man who inherits the Anfield hot seat.
‘No, why should I?” Klopp said. “The last thing they need is advice from the old man walking out who tells them: ‘By the way, make sure you bring him in.’
‘I will definitely not do that. You know for most of the things I have an opinion, and you will not believe that for most I still didn’t say everything and I have no problem with that.
‘I wish for the future of this club the very, very, very best and for now I am still here and can help them to achieve the best possible.’
