Photo: Bernd Thissen/dpa
In the morning, coach Jürgen Klopp announced that he would be leaving Liverpool FC early. He will not fulfill his contract, which runs until 2026. Instead, he will quit in the summer and want to withdraw - at least temporarily - from the football business. Klopp has been on the sidelines for the Reds since 2015 and led the club back to successful times. The news of his resignation, delivered by Klopp in a video message, surprised the football world.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, managing director of Klopp's former employer Borussia Dortmund, told the Sport Information Service: "I have a lot of respect for this decision. But that shows once again that Jürgen is exceptional." With BVB, Klopp won the German championship twice and the DFB Cup once.
For Dortmund's current coach, Edin Terzić, Klopp is "an outstanding person. I was lucky enough to meet him here." Klopp has shaped BVB and Liverpool “like no one else. I am sure that there will be another stage in his coaching life where he will do a similarly good job."
»Replace Klopp? Good luck with it«
Jamie Carragher, a former Liverpool FC player, wrote in the Telegraph: "I really thought it was some kind of joke or a cruel joke." Next to Pep Guardiola, Klopp is the best coach in the world. He was also a perfect fit for Liverpool. "It was as if he had been born to be a Liverpool manager," wrote Carragher. »Finding the right man to lead Liverpool is more difficult than ever. Replace Klopp? Good luck with that.”
There is already speculation about Klopp's successor at Anfield Road. Xabi Alonso, coach of Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen and, according to media reports, in discussions with some top clubs, said: “Speculation is normal. I'm really happy here, every day is a challenge. We are on a great journey.«
Leverkusen is the “right place” and he is currently not thinking about his future. When asked whether he could rule out coaching Liverpool next season, Alonso said: "It's a direct question, but I don't have a direct answer."
Alonso was surprised by Klopp's decision. “What Jürgen has done in Liverpool over the last nine years deserves great admiration and respect,” said the Spanish former professional, who played for Liverpool FC from 2009 to 2014.
Klopp’s departure “not good for the Premier League”
Thomas Tuchel was also shocked by the news. »This is a fantastic report. I have to digest that first,” said the FC Bayern coach. He can understand the step, but will have to get used to it. »Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world. He influenced the clubs in all his positions in a special way.
For Manchester United coach Eric ten Hag, Klopp's impending departure is "not good for the Premier League." Klopp “initiated an era, he built the club, he brought the club back to where it belongs, I congratulate him on that.”
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