JURGEN Klopp has been one of Liverpool’s most beloved and successful managers of recent years.
The German has announced he’s stepping down at the end of the 2023/24 season — here we take a look at why.
Jurgen Klopp celebrating after winning the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2022[/caption]Why is Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool?
The news broke that Jurgen Klopp will step down as Liverpool manager on January 26, 2024.
He explained his reason for leaving is that he is running out of energy and cannot continue in the demanding job for years on end.
Klopp opened up about his decision to leave his role in an emotional interview, during which he shared his love for the club, the fans and the city.
He said: “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.
“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.”
Klopp informed Liverpool’s owners of his intention to quit last summer.
What has Jurgen Klopp won at Liverpool?
Klopp took over at Anfield in October 2015.
In a successful spell at the club, Jurgen has guided Liverpool to the Premier League (2019/20), Champions League (2018/19), UEFA Super Cup (2019/20), FIFA Club World Cup (2019/20), League Cup (2021/22) and FA Cup (2021/22).
He is the only Liverpool manager to win six different major trophies.
The Reds are also currently top of the Prem table.
Who could replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool?
Some of the managers in the running to replace Jurgen at Anfield are:
- Xabi Alonso — the former Reds midfielder is the standout candidate to replace Klopp, having made a stellar start to his managerial career at Beyer Leverkusen, who are currently top of the Bundesliga table.
- Roberto De Zerbi — the Brighton manager has surpassed expectations, bringing results and attractive football to the seaside club.
- Julian Nagelsmann — even though he was appointed manager of his nation’s national side in September 2023, it is possible he could follow in his predecessor’s footsteps, struggle as Germany boss and be out of a job before the next World Cup in 2026; the same year Jurgen’s contract is due to expire.
- Stephen Gerrard — although his managerial career has had its ups and downs, Stevie is a Liverpool legend who’s beloved by the fans, so should never be ruled out of his hometown club’s top job.
- Pep Lijnders — the Dutch manager has long been viewed as a potential successor to Klopp; in spite of his relative lack of experience as a head coach, he is highly respected at Liverpool and has been a key part of the coaching staff since returning to the club in 2018 following a spell at NEC Nijmegen.