UPDATED: Reactions as Jurgen Klopp set to step down as Liverpool manager
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Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool FC, will step down at the end of the season.
“I am, how can I say it, running out of energy,” he said in a statement. “I have no problem now, obviously… I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”
Klopp took over as Reds boss in October 2015 and his contract was due to run until 2026.
He led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years in 2019-20, having won the Champions League the previous season.
“I told the club already in November,” the German told the Liverpool website.
Watch or read our emotional interview with Jürgen Klopp in full as he discusses today’s news in detail and explains the reasons for his decision.
“It’s surprising, but I understand it. It can happen after so much time that his motivation drops a little and I think that’s what happened to him.
“For me, all the respect goes to him because he is a great coach and he will continue to contribute a lot to football.”
MICHAEL OWEN, FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER
“All great things inevitably come to an end but I thought it would be two or three years down the line.”
“Memories to last a lifetime. One of the greatest managers ever.”
XABI ALONSO, BAYER LEVERKUSEN MANAGER AND FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER, LINKED WITH LIVERPOOL JOB
“I have huge respect for Juergen, huge admiration before coming to Liverpool and during his years there it has become even bigger for what he has achieved and how he achieved it.
“At the moment I am really happy here, enjoying my work here. Each day and each game is a challenge. I am not in a moment to think about the next thing. I’m just thinking about what is now.”
ERIK TEN HAG, MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER
“It’s no good for the Premier League.
“So, he has made an era there, he built the club, he brought the club back where they belong, so congratulations on that. He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.
“The Premier League 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.”
PETER MOORE, FORMER CEO AT LIVERPOOL
“Well this is news you didn’t want to wake up to on a Friday morning. So fortunate to have been present to watch in awe of the impact this man had on our club and to enjoy the success he and his staff created. He was made for Liverpool, and Liverpool was made for him.”
JAMIE CARRAGHER, FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER AND TELEVISION PUNDIT
“This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came. I just thought it would be another few years away. What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Juergen.”
GRAEME SOUNESS, FORMER LIVERPOOL PLAYER AND MANAGER
“I’m amazed, I just think the demands of that job, it’s one of the best jobs in the world if you get it right and he has done that. It would appear he has got a team again but it’s just the toll it takes on the individual.
“When I look at Juergen Klopp he is such a perfect fit for Liverpool cause he is on it, he’s at it. He’s aggressive, he’s emotional and confrontational but that takes a toll. The pressure of being a manager at a big football club are enormous.”
EDIN TERZIC, BORUSSIA DORTMUND MANAGER
“Juergen 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.”
THOMAS TUCHEL, BAYERN MUNICH MANAGER
“I have to digest that first, I can’t say anything at the moment. 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.”
