Jurgen Klopp sent shockwaves through the world of football in January when he announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
The German manager, who was appointed by the club in October 2015, had signed a two-year extension to his contract in April 2022 which was set to keep him at the club until 2026.
However, Klopp has elected to walk away from the Anfield hotseat sooner than had been expected, bringing an end to his hugely successful spell on Merseyside which has seen him guide Liverpool to seven major trophies.
So, as the Klopp farewell tour gets underway, let’s take a look at why one of the most influential figures in the club’s history has decided to call time on his Liverpool journey after almost nine years.
Why is Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool?
In an emotional video message to the club’s fans, the 56-year-old cited his diminishing energy levels as a major factor in opting to call time on his glittering reign.
‘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 on January 26, 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.
One of the favourites for the Premier League title, 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, has been 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.’
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