Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has further explained his decision to resign as Reds boss at the end of the season, saying “this club needs a manager at his top game”.
On Friday, Klopp announced the shock decision to leave Anfield once the current campaign reaches its conclusion, following over eight years in charge.
It has rocked the football world, not least Liverpool supporters, who will have been expecting him to at least see out his current contract that was scheduled to expire in 2026.
The Reds now need to focus on winning an unprecedented quadruple this season, however, and it is vital that this news doesn’t take centre stage for months on end.
Speaking in his pre-Norwich City press conference on Friday afternoon, Klopp spoke further about leaving Liverpool this summer, hinting at him no longer being at the peak of his powers:
“With all the responsibility, you have to be on top absolutely of your own game. I realised my resources our not endless and I prefer to pack absolutely everything into this season then have a break or whatever to stop.
“I started thinking about it and that was the moment I knew, especially with the team we have. This club needs a manager at the top level, and I cannot be there 100 percent.
[…]
“Not young rabbits anymore, don’t jump as high as we did. “This club needs a manager at his top game and when I cannot be that anymore I have to tell people.”
Our thoughts on Klopp resigning as Liverpool manager…
The magnitude of this news cannot be overstated, considering the incredible influence that Klopp has had ever since he took over from Brendan Rodgers back in October 2015.
He is unquestionably one of the world’s greatest managers, and he has inspired his players to endless success down the years, winning the Champions League and Premier League, among numerous other trophies.
Klopp has got Liverpool playing sensational football along the way, signing legendary figures in Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, to name just a few, and he will never be forgotten by the supporters.
The shock element of the decision makes it even tougher for fans, and it is now a case of enjoying every last second of Klopp before he moves on.