26 January 2024 , 11:14
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Jurgen Klopp has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season - less than two years after extending his contract until 2026.
The German's deal was due to expire at the end of 2024 but back in April 2022 it was confirmed that he had signed on for an extra two years. Klopp was appointed back in October 2015 and has overseen a hugely successful era at Anfield, ending the club's wait for a top-flight title in 2020.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss, 56, has helped make Liverpool among the most competitive outfits in the Premier League and Europe. He had underlined his desire to rebuild the team and push forward, which is why his announcement comes as such a shock.
When he signed his new deal only 21 months ago he said: “Like any healthy relationship, it always has to be a two-way street; you have to be right for each other. The feeling we were absolutely right for each other is what brought me here in the first place and it’s why I’ve extended previously.
“This one is different because of the length of time we have been together. I had to ask myself the question: Is it right for Liverpool that I stay longer? Along with my two assistant managers, Pep Lijnders and Pete Krawietz, we came to the conclusion it was a ‘Yes!'"
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Klopp also claimed at the time: “When the owners brought the possibility to renew to me, I asked myself the question I’ve mused over publicly. Do I have the energy and vibe to give of myself again what this amazing place requires from the person in the manager’s office? I didn’t need too long to answer in truth. The answer was very simple… I’m in love with here and I feel fine!”
Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season (David Horton - CameraSport)Now, with Liverpool still harbouring hopes of winning four trophies this season, Klopp has confirmed he will depart with his decision made at the back end of last year. Since penning his new deal, the Reds have seen their transfer chief, Julian Ward, move on.
There is also a notable bit of investment needed to make the Reds the force they were at their peak. The likes of Virgil van Dijk are now into their 30s and will eventually need replacing whilst more quality is needed in the midfield, which will require the American owners putting their hands in their pocket.
Klopp admitted after announcing his departure: "I can understand that that’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it. I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take."