Jurgen Klopp shut down talks of a possible U-turn on his exit decision but admitted that he did have a word with incoming CEO Michael Edwards.
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Klopp insist on leaving Liverpool in the summerNo change in plansLavished praise on EdwardsGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Edwards, 44, rejoined Liverpool as Fenway Sports Group's chief executive of football, marking his return after spending 11 years at the club. During Edwards' tenure as sporting director and Klopp's reign as manager, Liverpool achieved remarkable success, including winning the Champions League, Club World Cup, and the Premier League title in 2019-20 – the club's first league triumph in 30 years.
AdvertisementWHAT KLOPP SAID
Despite scaling the heights with Edwards, Klopp insisted that he remains firm on his decision to leave Anfield in the summer.
“We had a conversation,” said the Liverpool boss. “Michael and I have a really good relationship. We had that conversation, [but] that is not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine I changed my mind? Of course not. It would be like what I said about never ever having another club in England then next year I signed for our neighbours or whatever. It's crazy.
"I don't say these things without thinking before. I just want the club to do as well as somehow possible. I am really sure there is a good basis with the right people in charge. Michael is a top choice."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Klopp emphasised the importance of focusing on the club's future development and expressed his optimism about Liverpool's trajectory under Edwards' leadership.
“The club is in a really good place," he said. "Of course, people will only measure that at the end of the season when they have a look at what we really achieved, but that’s not that important for the future, what we achieved this season is for now.
“What’s important for the future is how good is the team, how good are the players, how good is the structure, how good is the organisation. That’s where my optimism comes from. That’s why I think it’s a rather good moment to be with Liverpool Football Club. That’s how it is and I’m really happy about that.”
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Liverpool's quadruple dreams are still alive. They won the Carabao Cup in February after beating Chelsea in the title decider and look well poised to progress into the last eight of the Europa League after beating Slavia Praha 5-1 in the first leg of the round of 16. They are one of the contenders for the Premier League title along with Manchester City & Arsenal and will hope to get the better of Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Sunday to seal a berth in the last four of the domestic tournament.