Jurgen Klopp imposes 'ban' at Liverpool after announcing his departure date

26 January 2024 , 15:44

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Jurgen Klopp explained his decision to the media (Image: LFC)

Jurgen Klopp says he will refuse to answer any further questions about his departure from Liverpool for the rest of the season.

Klopp shocked the football world by announcing on Friday morning that he will step down as manager of the Reds at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. The German boss has become synonymous with the club, having been in position as manager since October 2015 and won the Champions League and Premier League during his tenure.

Liverpool are still competing on four fronts this season, with a Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on the horizon and more matches in the FA Cup and Europa League to come, alongside their pursuit of the Premier League title. Klopp held a press conference on Friday afternoon to answer questions about his bombshell decision – and he was quick to draw a line in the sand about the decision.

Asked about his emotional state, he replied: "The relief was when I made the decision, I didn't expect that. Today it's mixed. I'm not as emotional as I will be when it comes to leave. Two important things I had to do was tell the owners of course, but the supporters and players.

"The reaction from the players was top, we know each other so long. I don't say things like that then walk away, I'm here. I'll answer 500,000 questions if you want today, but afterwards that's it.

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"Not a lot of emotion here, I had to tell some people slightly earlier and there were some tears. That's normal. It's the right thing to do and the right moment because the club needs time to plan the future while we sort the present. Relief is not there anymore because I knew before how I felt."

Klopp had already told his players by the time he addressed the media and he said they took it well. He is determined that his decision will not become a distraction for his side – and emphasised that point by refusing to reflect on his time in charge.

Jurgen Klopp won't speak again about his departure until the end of the season (Getty Images)

"They didn't have many questions, they have a really strong bond,” he explained. “We are professionals. The agreement you have with the team on both sides is one year, after that anything can happen.

"For a year you have a real agreement, we are in that and the boys see it exactly like that. In training you can see the boys in a really good mood. It's not that they partied when I told them, it was just an announcement. It's different to other situations, usually a sacked manager just says goodbye. That wouldn't happen here because of our achievements with each other.

"A lot of managers would have been sacked last year. When it's not right anymore I have to tell them. The distraction comes from outside, but we will not let it happen. If we want we can throw in more because of this and that's 100 per cent the situation. The fact I said I won't be manager next year is not an excuse to do less, we will fight for everything and that's good news. I know I can't do the job in the future but I can do it very well right now and that's what I will do."

Felix Keith