LIVERPOOL – In a surprising turn of events, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced on Friday that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season, citing a depletion of energy as the driving force behind his decision.
The German manager, who took over the reins at Anfield in 2015, has been instrumental in restoring Liverpool as one of European football’s powerhouses.
Klopp led the team to their first league title in 30 years in 2020 and secured Champions League glory in 2019.
Klopp expressed his deep love for the club, the city, and its supporters, emphasizing the difficulty of his decision.
In an interview on Liverpool‘s website, he stated, “I love absolutely everything about this club… 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 know that I cannot do the job again and again and again.”
The 56-year-old revealed that he made the decision in November during discussions about potential signings for the next season.
Despite a challenging 2022/23 campaign, Klopp emphasized the importance of not leaving on a sour note.
Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League and exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage after a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment when you hear it for the first time,” Klopp acknowledged.
“I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”
The announcement comes as Liverpool remains in contention for four trophies this season.
The team recently reached the League Cup final and is set to face Chelsea next month.
Additionally, they are in the FA Cup fourth round and the Europa League last 16.
Reflecting on his impact at Liverpool, Klopp said, “For me, it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails.”
Klopp’s backroom staff will also depart at the end of the season, including assistant Pep Lijnders, who aims to pursue his own managerial career.
The club’s ownership, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), expressed profound appreciation for Klopp’s contributions and confirmed immediate efforts to find his successor.
“I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jurgen,” said FSG president Mike Gordon.
“It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude, and affection.”
