Rafa Benitez reveals he ‘knows something’ that fans don’t about Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool exit

Ex-Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has disclosed that he possesses information regarding Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Anfield that fans are not privy to.

Last Friday, Klopp delivered a bombshell announcement, revealing his decision to depart Liverpool at the end of the ongoing season. His exit marks the conclusion of an iconic eight-and-a-half-year tenure at the club, during which he led Liverpool to triumphs in every English domestic competition they entered, as well as securing the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup titles.

Prior to departing Anfield, Klopp still has the opportunity to clinch up to four more trophies. Liverpool currently leads the Premier League standings heading into the upcoming midweek fixtures, and the team remains in contention in the Europa League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup.

In a conversation with Liverpool’s official website, the German manager disclosed the motive behind his departure from the club, citing, “It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy.”

“I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now.

“I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again.

“When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’, and I was surprised myself by that.”

Klopp stands as Liverpool’s sixth permanent manager of the twenty-first century, following in the footsteps of Gerard Houllier, Benitez, Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish, and Brendan Rodgers. Benitez notably guided the Reds to their most recent Champions League triumph in 2005, preceding Klopp’s success in 2019. After steering the club to European glory, the Spaniard remained at Liverpool for an additional five seasons before departing in the summer of 2010.

Currently at the helm of Celta Vigo, the former Valencia and Real Madrid boss maintains connections at Anfield stemming from his tenure with the club.

Benitez has disclosed that he possesses additional information about Klopp’s departure, stating, “I have an advantage, which is that I have people in Liverpool and also people at the club, so, more or less, I know how it has happened.” These comments came as he was questioned about the news before his Celta Vigo side’s forthcoming La Liga clash against Girona.

“I only have positive words about Klopp, because he is my friend and I have a good relationship with him.

“He has done and is doing an enormous job. Everything I can say about Klopp and Liverpool is positive. I know something else from inside, and it has more merit than being there.

“He goes and speaks up [about his departure], giving the club time to reorganize, which, from another perspective, is also very German, because they do notify in advance, so it is not a shock. Let’s hope Liverpool will do well for now and when another coach comes too. I hope the best for the club.”