For Liverpool fans, the news came out of the blue. The club bosses, on the other hand, had been privy to Jürgen Klopp’s farewell plans for a long time.
No, Liverpool FC supporters had not expected this news at all this Friday. Jürgen Klopp, the coach whom they have taken to their hearts more than anyone before him, will not fulfill his contract, which runs until 2026, and will step down after the season.
For many fans it was a shock that caught them off guard. Things were different for those responsible for the club. Klopp had already informed them of his plans at the end of last year. In his statement, Klopp revealed: “I told the club in November.”
So his decision was well thought out. All he had to do was teach it to the public. “I’ve known for a while that I would have to announce it at some point,” Klopp said on Friday.
“One of the greatest blessings of our time as owners”
Club boss Billy Hogan and Mike Gordon, president of Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group, were at least somewhat prepared for the impending farewell. Nevertheless, they also express their regret about it.
Gordon paid tribute to Klopp: “Jürgen’s signing was one of the greatest blessings of our time as owners. It goes without saying that we are very sad to lose not only a manager of such caliber, but also a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect Feeling respect, gratitude and affection.”
Hogan added at the press conference on Friday afternoon: “When he arrived, Jürgen said his aim was to leave the club in a better condition than he found it. There is absolutely no doubt that he has achieved that.”
But Klopp isn’t gone yet and still has a chance of winning four titles with the “Reds” – including the Europa League. Klopp is still missing it from his collection. The fourth round game in the FA Cup against second division team Norwich is scheduled for Sunday. Then the fans will certainly give their coach a special welcome before saying goodbye at the end of the season.