Jurgen Klopp reveals why next season at Liverpool would be ‘tricky’ if he stayed

Jurgen Klopp says the 2024/25 season would have been tricky for him and Liverpool had he not decided to call time on his legendary spell at Anfield this summer.

In January, the German manager announced his decision to step down from his position after nine years at the helm, during which Liverpool secured both a Premier League title and a Champions League trophy.

“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it,” Klopp told Liverpool’s website.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“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 and again.

“After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth.”

Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Jurgen Klopp, representing John Henry and Tom Werner, for his remarkable contributions. Gordon conveyed deep appreciation for Klopp’s exceptional managerial skills, leadership qualities, and personal integrity. He acknowledged the profound sadness within the club at the prospect of losing Klopp, emphasizing the immense respect, gratitude, and affection felt towards him. Additionally, Gordon reiterated the club’s full support for Klopp’s decision to step down at the end of the current season, acknowledging and respecting his reasons for doing so.

“In keeping with Jurgen’s expressed wishes, we will save the comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate time but nevertheless, we would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to reaffirm that his appointment remains one of the greatest blessings of our time as owners.

“The incredible achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves, so too does the joy that Jurgen and his team have brought to all of us supporters. His many accomplishments will never be taken for granted. To appropriate an adage synonymous with another Liverpool managerial great, Jurgen Klopp ‘made the people happy’ and we have total confidence he will continue to do so until his eventual departure.

“It is testament to Jurgen’s unstinting professionalism and ongoing commitment to the best interests of Liverpool FC that his decision was arrived at in a way which allows for business as usual to be maintained for the remainder of his tenure while simultaneously creating an opportunity for us to prepare for the future.

“Our priority now is two-fold. First, to ensure that the progress that has been made on the pitch this season is maintained in the final months of the campaign. Second, to continue the due diligence behind the scenes which will allow our football operations department to adapt to a future without Jurgen. As ever, these ambitions will be pursued in the best interests of the club and its supporters and we will update fans as and when significant developments are made.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to place on record our gratitude to Jurgen for everything he has done and continues to do for Liverpool Football Club. Thank you, Jurgen. When the time comes, you will never walk alone.”