Liverpool have announced that Jürgen Klopp will step down as manager at the end of the season after nine years at the club.
In a video message uploaded to Liverpool’s social media websites, the 56-year-old stated his reasons for departing:
“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people at 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.”
“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now; obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again. After the years we had together, after all the time we spent together, and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you, and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”
Klopp took the reins at Anfield in October 2015, with the club failing to meet their desired targets under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. It was an appointment that proved to be inspired.
Having made a name for himself in the Bundesliga at Mainz, and most notably Borussia Dortmund, for playing high-pressing ‘heavy metal’ football, it was not before long that the Liverpool faithful saw first-hand the kind of manager that had been installed at their club. Hard work, dedication, and passion were the characteristics seen and installed from the touchline.
Klopp was, in many ways, not just the perfect manager, but the perfect person for the Liverpool fans to adore. Nevertheless, he was always going to be judged upon his results, and thankfully, he was able to deliver on a level that some Liverpool fans had only ever heard stories about.
After meticulously putting together a side ready to dominate European football, in a four-year period, Liverpool won the League Cup, FA Cup, Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, the Champions League, and, most importantly, their first English League title since 1990. His departure from Liverpool will signal the end of one of the club’s most glamorous eras, and it will take quite the person to replace him.
However, while a break will undoubtedly come his way, this does open up the possibility of Klopp finally taking over as the manager of the German National Team. With Julian Nagelsmann leading the country into a home European Championship’s, could Klopp be the person to take over in the near future, or could he return to the Bundesliga?
GGFN | Will Shopland
