Liverpool have been left in shock as their manager Jurgen Klopp has announced that he will step down from his role at the end of the season.
The German coach, who has been in charge of the Reds since 2015, said he is “running out of energy” and wants to take a break from football.
Klopp revealed his decision in an interview with the club’s media channel, saying he had informed the owners in November.
He said he loves everything about the club, the city, the fans, and the staff, but he feels he cannot continue to do the job with the same intensity and passion.
“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,” he said.
Klopp has been a transformative figure for Liverpool, leading them to six major trophies, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020, ending a 30-year wait for the domestic title.
He has also created a strong bond with the players and the supporters, who adore him for his charismatic and passionate personality.
The Liverpool Manager said he will continue to give his best for the remaining games of the season, as Liverpool are still in contention for the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Carabao Cup.
He also thanked the fans for their support and asked them to respect his decision.
“I hope you can understand it. I know it’s a shock, I know it’s not easy, but I think it’s the right thing to do. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me, for the club, for the team. You are the best fans in the world and I will always love you,” he said.
Liverpool have not announced who will replace Klopp, but they have confirmed that his assistant managers Pepijn Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will also leave the club at the end of the season. Lijnders is reportedly keen to pursue his own managerial career.
The news has sent shockwaves across the football world, with many pundits, players, and rivals expressing their admiration and respect for Klopp and his achievements at Liverpool.
He is widely regarded as one of the best managers in the world and one of the most influential figures in the modern game.
