Jurgen Klopp announced in January that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, sending shockwaves through the football world.
Following his appointment by the squad in October 2015, the German manager signed a two-year contract extension in April 2022, extending his term until 2026.
Klopp has opted to leave his post as Liverpool manager sooner than expected, bringing an end to his highly successful spell on Merseyside, during which he led the club to seven major titles.
The 56-year-old sent a poignant video address to the club’s supporters, blaming his decision to terminate his storied career on dwindling energy.
‘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.
‘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, Klopp’s decision to depart was driven primarily by his team’s early success this season.
Following their dismal 2022-2023 season, Liverpool appeared to require extensive surgery to regain the ability to threaten Manchester City’s dominance in the domestic league.
This perception was only strengthened by the departures of key players such as Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson. However, a new look team has evolved, one that now poses a threat on four fronts, thanks to a number of strategic arrivals and the growth of young players such as Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley.
On January 26, before Liverpool made their formal announcement, Klopp met with his players on the training site and informed them of his plans, citing their prior performances as justification for leaving.
Klopp has always intended to retire after making the job easy for his successor. He believes that the manager who would succeed him will not have to do much to rebuild the club.
Several managers have been connected with the Liverpool post, including former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who presently manages high-flying Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Klopp has stated unequivocally that he would not be involved in the club’s succession planning.
‘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.’
