JURGEN KLOPP has announced he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season – and former star Xabi Alonso is the bookies’ favourite to replace him.
The German took over at Anfield in November 2015 but he has now decided to call time on his Liverpool career.
But he revealed he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the job year after year.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
Alonso on Liverpool speculation
Xabi Alonso has broken his silence after being linked to the Liverpool job following Jurgen Klopp’s summer exit.
He said: “I was surprised by Jurgen’s news. I have huge respect for Jurgen and Liverpool.
“At the moment I am really happy here and enjoying my work. Each day and game is a challenge. We are in an intense and beautiful journey here at Leverkusen.”
“Speculation is normal, but I have great respect and admiration for what Jurgen has done at Liverpool in the last nine years, and how he’s done it.
“He has a connection with the fans, he’s done a great job, but my focus is here at Bayer Leverkusen.
“I have great motivation to do a good job here, I’m very happy with the team, with the club, with everything, so that’s my focus.
“My focus isn’t on May, it’s on tomorrow ahead of our game against Gladbach and helping my players to be ready. But what I will say is it was surprising what happened at Liverpool with Jurgen leaving.”
Klopp was ‘in tears’
Jurgen Klopp admits there were “tears” when he told Liverpool’s staff and players that he’d be leaving at the end of the season.
Klopp informed Reds chiefs of his decision to step down last NOVEMBER, although players and staff only learned of his exit today.
And the Kop icon revealed there was a wave of emotion when he informed them that he’s moving on to pastures new.
He said: “I had some talks in the last days when I had to tell other people before the public.
“There were some tears. That’s normal when we were so long together.
“The club needs time to plan the future while we are in the present.”
Kirkland on Klopp departure
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has hailed Jurgen Klopp fr treating everyone the same while in charge at Anfield.
He said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I’m actually at Anfield with the LFC Foundation today, we got the news, obviously. Going back a couple of years, I’m sure I’m right in saying he said 2024 would be his last year at Liverpool, I’m not sure if I’m right in saying that. First and foremost, what he has done for the football club, the trophies he’s done since he’s been here, he’s transformed the football side of things.
“But as a human being as well, the things people might not see, what he does and being around the club and working for the foundation, he’s an unbelievable person. He treats everybody the same, doesn’t matter whether you’re Mo Salah or somebody taking the rubbish out at Anfield or the training ground. He treats everybody the same, he gives you that hug, the smile, he just makes you feel good when you’re around him. Just gives you a sense of ease when you’re around him. He’s just a wonderful human being. He’s certainly going to be missed. I’m sure it’s the right decision for him.
“Yes he’s going to be a huge miss, we thank him and he’s still got a lot to play for this season and we hope he can go out and do what he deserves and win more titles and win more cups before he does step down.”
Klopp wished luck
Fulham boss Marco Silva has wished Jurgen Klopp good luck on his next chapter.
He said: “A big surprise for all of us.
“Almost eight years and 500 games and it’s been a big success.
“A really nice guy and I wish him all the best.”
Credit: Reuters Dortmund boss on Klopp
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic has hailed Jurgen Klopp after his announcement to leave Liverpool
He said: “Jurgen Klopp is an outstanding person.
“I was lucky enough to get to know him here. He has shaped our club and Liverpool like no other.
“I am sure that there will be another station in his coaching life, there will be a place where he will do a similarly good job.”
Henderson reacts to Klopp news
Jordon Henderson has reacted to the news that Jurgen Klopp will be leaving Liverpool.
The former club captain shared the manager’s announcement video and added a heart emoji to it on Instagram.
Credit: Instagram De Zerbi on Klopp
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that he understands Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool.
He said: “I can understand him, I think we have the best [job], but it is very tough.
“You need energy and have to push every day, improve day by day.
“You can’t stop your improvement and studies for a new idea.
“Football is always in development.”
Credit: Reuters More from Ten Hag
Erik ten Hag has sympathised with Klopp’s time at Liverpool.
He added: “I can understand that. Nine years is a long time.
“I think it’s a period by building up, achieving targets but also I think setbacks and going into difficult periods.
“The PL is very intense, the combination with European club football, when you’re there nine years it’s a long period and I can understand he is running out of energy and that is one of his arguments to step down.”
Credit: PA Ten Hag on Klopp exit
Erik ten Hag has claimed that the Premier League will miss out after Jurgen Klopp leaves Liverpool.
He said: “It’s no good for the Premier League.
“He has made an era there, he built the club, he brought the club back where they belong, so congratulationss on that.
“He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.”
Liverpool ‘face decline’
Pennant believes that Liverpool could fall into a slump similar to Manchester United’s post Fergie era once Jurgen Klopp leaves.
He Lord Ping: “It is possible that Liverpool could face a post-Fergie style decline. But the squad is so young and being built, whereas Fergie left Man Utd with a team on the decline and they needed to freshen up.
“Then they had David Moyes come in who chose the wrong players.
“Liverpool don’t need a change, they have young players who Liverpool can look to for the next five or six years.
“The core team is very, very good so I don’t think we will see a Fergie decline.”
England ‘should consider Klopp’
Pennant has also suggested that England should make an approach to Jurgen Klopp about replacing Gareth Southgate.
He told Lord Ping: “Klopp knows England, he knows the players and the style. I think England would be crazy to not try and tap him up, he knows all the best youngsters and he knows how to get the best out of them. His teams have played against them all. He knows more than anyone about them and how they play.
“He knows the English game well and he has an attacking style, his teams are always on the front foot. So as an England fan I think they would be crazy not to throw the kitchen sink at him. With the talent we have got, maybe we could win the World Cup in 2026.
“Any manager would be tempted with a strong team at a World Cup, especially when England have the players to win a World Cup. If they come knocking and the deal is right, he’s not putting too much on his body, so I think it would make sense for Klopp. There will definitely be a bidding war but England will be stupid to miss this boat.”
Credit: Rex Features ‘Klopp eyeing Madrid’ – Pennant
Jermaine Pennant has admitted that he thinks that Jurgen Klopp has announced his decision to leave Liverpool as he wants the Real Madrid job.
He told Lord Ping: “There are only two reasons I can think of. It could be a personal issue, where he’s letting them know now instead of at the end of the season, so they can find a replacement. But that’s just speculation.
“Or there is a massive opportunity to go to Real Madrid. If he’s going to manage them for a long period, I think 100% he’s got Real Madrid in his sights. We know how demanding the Premier League is and it’s just as much for the management and coaching staff. The Premier League is the hardest, most taxing league in Europe. He’s come out and said he can’t give much more. Meaning he’s getting down to his bare bones.
“I don’t think there’s a risk we won’t see him manage again but you won’t see manage one of the top clubs in the Premier League.
“Real Madrid have Mbappe going there, they have Bellingham, so it could be Real Madrid.”
A look at Klopp’s record
Jurgen Klopp took charge of 466 matches as Liverpool manager, winning over 60 per cent and collecting seven trophies.
Schmadtke to follow Klopp
Jorg Schmadtke is set to follow Jurgen Klopp out of the exit door at Liverpool
He said: “Liverpool is a very special club so to have had the opportunity to work here has been a huge honour for me, even though I knew from the outset that it would only be for a short period.
“I would like to thank everyone – the owners, manager, staff, players and fans – for the support I have been given and offer my best wishes for the rest of this season.”
Credit: Getty Klopp already getting interest
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as a managerial candidate for Barcelona after announcing that he would be leaving Liverpool, reports suggest.
This surprise move has opened the door for Barcelona to make an attempted swoop for the 56-year-old.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona president Joan Laporta is a long-term admirer of Klopp.
And given the club’s struggles with current boss Xavi Hernandez, the Blaugrana may be prompted into a change of leadership at the end of the season.
Owen picks Klopp replacement
Michael Owen has backed Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.
He told BoyleSports Premier League odds: There’ll be loads of options available to Alonso in the future, and I would have thought that he would probably have his eyes set on the teams that he played for – like Real Madrid or Liverpool – when the opportunity comes up.
“I’d have thought Alonso’s more realistic aim would be one of these clubs, but his thoughts could be subconscious. He’ll be fully engrained in what he’s doing now, though, and he has to make his name first.
“He’s doing a great job. When the time comes in the future, then the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid may be more tempting for him.”
Credit: Getty Klopp thanks supporters
Jurgen Klopp has hailed Liverpool’s supporters and asked them to accept his decision.
He said: “The message to supporters: I really would like you to accept the decision. That would be nice. And then if I can ask for one more thing, after telling you don’t sing my song too early, after telling you be loud in the stadium, stuff like this, if I could ask you for one more thing it would be: don’t make these games about me, because there’s no need.
“The only thing I always wanted was the full support for the team, it’s not for me. I know about our relationship, I don’t need any kind of proof.
“We will have a moment, maybe the last matchday here or somewhere else – I mean in other countries or other competitions. There’s enough time to do these kinds of things. Let’s now really go for it.
“The outside world want to use this decision, laugh about it, want to disturb us. We are Liverpool, we went through harder things together. And you went through harder things before me. Let’s make a strength of it.
“That would be really cool. Let’s squeeze everything out of this season and have another thing to smile about when we look back in the future. Thank you.”
Tuchel on Klopp exit
Thomas Tuchel has spoken about Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool.
He said: “I have to digest that first.
“Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world.
“He has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It’s big news.”
Credit: AFP Club reaction
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he and the club have a good relationship although they didn’t have a “party” when he said he was leaving.
Klopp said: “They didn’t smash a party! We developed a really good relationship over the years, but I explained it and they know me now for so long that they know I don’t say these kind of things and leave a little bit of the door open, ‘Come on, try to convince me’ and these kind of things.
“As I said, we’ve known each for so long and that good. That was clear and they accepted, they just accepted it. Nobody was really happy. The few people I have told so far, who I told so far, were not really happy.
“I am not happy with it, I just know it’s right. What are the alternative scenarios? What are they? Usually as a manager you get the sack. You have a bad spell before – five, six, seven weeks – and everybody is relieved when you part ways. I’m not sure what’s the other one… you get ill and you have to stop.
“And unfortunately, or fortunately, I have to do it like that. I don’t like that we have to make that fuss of myself, I don’t consider myself as that important but I know that the outside world sees that slightly different.
“That’s why we do that. Doing a press conference, doing an official announcement is a rare thing to do in that situation; we just want to make sure that everybody who is with us gets informed in the best possible way. But after this I’m completely in the Norwich game, I’m completely in the Chelsea game, in the Arsenal game, whatever game is coming up.
“I’m completely in that. There is no need for any farewell parties now, there is a long season to go. I want to be 100 per cent in it, and I am. I am. Nobody has to worry about my mindset. It would be really cool if you just could accept my decision as a difficult one but the right one. That’s it. Because as much as I love everything, I still think it’s the right one – that could show you it is probably the right one.”
Former Red puts Klopp among legends
Don Hutchinson has likened Jurgen Klopp to other club legends such as Bill Shankly and Kenny Dalglish.
Credit: x Klopp wants to try a ‘normal life’
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that the season will not be disrupted and that he is keen to try a normal life before he is too old.
He said: “100 percent that is up to us I would say. I had a similar situation at Dortmund but it is up to us.
“I am committed to the season, we have 30 games coming up which is almost a full season, it is all about us. The way we grew together in the last few years is exceptional and I always said nothing has to happen because of me.
“So nobody has to make the games about me if I can ask for that it would be really nice. We just support each other, I am fully here, I don’t think anybody realised any difference in the last few months,.
“When I made the decision it was a relief as well it was like there was a finishing line. If I could stay here in a role I would be over the moon, but I can’t.
“We only get disturbed if we let it happen as a club and I am sure the team and the crowd will be fine.
“I think it is worth to live in the moment and push each other as much as we can and go for everything. And next season there is no reason for that to be 100 per cent.
“There are still people working on it, so the club is in good hands and the future is bright.
“If you look at my career, I would say it is not possible, ending up as Liverpool manager is a fairytale, but it is only possible if you are very busy and dedicate your whole life to it.
“I came here on the first day and said I am normal guy, but I don’t live a normal life and I don’t want to get to old before I see how it is. I need to give it a try and it is the right moment for me and for the club.”
Klopp on why now
Jurgen Klopp has insisted now is the right time to make the announcement as it gives Liverpool the chance to plan for his exit.
He said: “Of course, I would not have said anything to anybody until the end of the season and then say good by but it is not possible.
“It is not possible in the world we are living in to keep things like this secret.
“There are so many things that are influenced by it, personal situations like my staff need to know early and the club needs to know.
“You can not plan anything without making it public and that means the club needs time. Over the years, my role was a dominant one, it was not intentionally.
“I really don’t want that but I have to because if you have to make a decision like this, it is better to do it slightly early rather than too late.
“This club is a wonderful platform and basis for the future and the only thing that could disrupt that now is that you can not make the right decisions because you are running out of time.
“That was important to me that I inform everybody as early as possible.”
Credit: Reuters Klopp insists he is healthy
Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he is healthy and that part of the reason he is leaving Liverpool is that he has got the club back to a good position.
He said: “I am okay, I am healthy so as much as you can at my age, just a few bits and bobs, nothing anyone has to worry about.
“I told the club already in November, the job I do people see from the outside, when I am on the touchline or in training but the majority of things happen around these things.
“That means that a season starts and you already plan the next season.
“We were sat there together about potential signings and summer camp and the thought came up that I was not sure that I would be here any more. And I was surprised that I thought that about myself and then I started thinking about it and of course, last season was a super difficult one.
“And there were moments that at other clubs the decision would have been to have split or finish it. For me it was super important that I can bring this team back on the rails and it was all I was thinking about.
“When I realised pretty early that the team had a super age group and a massive potential. I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome. I think it is 100 per cent right.”
Carragher hails Klopp
Jamie Carragher has hailed Jurgen Klopp’s time as Liverpool manager and insisted that his exit will be a “body blow” to the club.
He posted: “This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
“It just thought it would be another few years away.
“What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen.”
Credit: X Klopp can go out with a bang
Jurgen Klopp may be leaving Liverpool in the summer but there is still plenty for him to win.
The Reds are currently leading the race for the Premier League title.
Meanwhile, they are also still competing in the Europa League and the FA Cup.
Should the German mastermind a treble-winning season, he would take his trophy haul as Liverpool manager to ten.
Credit: Getty
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
