Klopp reveals his next step after leaving Liverpool and the reaction of the club's owners
Liverpool's manager, Jurgen Klopp, discussed his next steps after deciding to leave his position at the end of the current season and revealed the reaction of the club's owners when he informed them of his decision. Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season and conducted an extensive interview with the club's official website.
Regarding the owners' reaction to his decision, Klopp said, "They didn't throw a party! We've developed a really good relationship over the years, but I explained it, and they know me now for a long time to the extent that they know I don't say these kinds of things and leave the door open."
He added, "As I said, we've known each other for a long time, and that's good. It was clear, and they accepted it. They just accepted it; nobody was really happy. The few people I've told so far, they weren't really happy. I'm not happy about it; I just know it's right."
Klopp continued, "What are the alternative scenarios? Usually as a manager, you get sacked. I've been through a bad period before – five, six, seven weeks, and everyone feels relieved when you part ways."
He further explained, "Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have to do it this way. I don't like to make this fuss about myself; I don't consider myself that important, but I know the outside world sees it a little differently, which is why we do it."
Klopp emphasized, "Conducting a press conference or issuing an official statement is rare in this situation; we just want to ensure that everyone with us is informed in the best possible way."
He further stressed, "But after that, I am present (to lead Liverpool) in the Norwich match, the Chelsea match, and the Arsenal match, whatever the next game is, I am present. There's no need for any farewell parties now; there's a long season left, and I want to be 100% in it, and I am as well."
He insisted, "No one should worry about my mindset. It would really be great if you could accept my decision as a tough but the right decision. That's all because as much as I love everything, I still believe it's the right thing."
Klopp continued, "I also need to find a different purpose. I need to search for it. If you ask me, will I work as a manager again? I will say no now."
He added, "But I don't clearly know how that would feel because I haven't been in this situation before. What I know for sure is that I won't manage another club in England other than Liverpool 100%. That's not possible, I can't do that, and I don't want to."
He affirmed, "It's a strange situation because I have to explain that I don't have the energy anymore, but now I'm sitting here and I have the energy and I feel excited for everything happening here. But because of the relationship we have, I have to think about this because no one is going to sack me, I have to make this decision myself."
Klopp continued, "The responsibility I bear for everything here tells me I'm not the right person for the future, so I have to say that, as much as I wish to be and that's what I've done here."
He directed a message to Liverpool fans, saying, "I really would like you to accept the decision; that would be nice. And then, if I can ask for one thing, after I tell you not to chant my name too early, the only thing I've always wanted is the full support for the team."
He added, "I know our relationship, and I don't need any kind of evidence. We will have our moment, maybe in the last round of the match here or elsewhere. There is enough time to do these kinds of things."
He concluded, "The outside world wants to exploit this decision, laugh at it, and want to disturb us. We're Liverpool; we've been through harder things together, and you've been through harder things before me. Let's make it a strength for us. This will be really great. Let's get everything out of this season and get another thing to smile about when we look back in the future. Thank you."