Jurgen Klopp on Arne Slot and New Liverpool Arrivals: “I Liked the Signings”
Jurgen Klopp Reflects on Leaving Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has admitted that leaving Liverpool has been far more challenging than his departures from Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. He reiterated his commitment to never managing another club in England, emphasizing his connection to Anfield and its community.
Confidence in Arne Slot and the New Leadership
Klopp is confident that Liverpool is in safe hands with incoming manager Arne Slot. He believes the Dutchman is the ideal successor and will benefit from the support of Michael Edwards, Julian Ward, and new sporting director Richard Hughes. Klopp, who collaborated closely with Edwards and Ward during his eight-and-a-half-year tenure, dismissed the idea that their return is linked to his departure.
“Did anyone make a story that they have all come back because I am leaving? It was really not because of me (that they left). You can ask Michael Edwards if he will speak in public – but our work together was really, really good. We all worked well together – and Richard, who I know, is another great, great guy.”
Approval of New Signings
Klopp expressed his satisfaction with Liverpool’s recent signings, praising the club’s strategic decisions. He highlighted the club’s strong management team and assured fans that Liverpool’s future is bright.
“I liked the signings a lot. Who the club is bringing in, I like them all. We have a good team, a really good manager is coming in – and we have all these guys too. The club is in good hands. People might worry about the future but I’m not. I really want the club to do well. It is not that I am thinking ‘my God, how will that all go?’ No, no. It is fine. But they will have to do it themselves and speak about themselves. Yes there are a lot of changes staff-wise, but that is how it is. We are all fine. You work in football and then normally, after a year or two, you move on to the next club. We were privileged to be able to work for this long at this outstanding club. For such a long time, it was an honour and a privilege and now the next ones can do it.”
The Emotional Departure from Anfield
Reflecting on his impending departure, Klopp shared how emotionally taxing it has been compared to his previous exits from Mainz and Dortmund. He described the unique bond he has with Liverpool and its fans, making this goodbye particularly poignant.
“This is really tough. At Mainz, when the last game came up, I said if we get promoted, I would stay. But the other team won so we didn’t get promoted. Dortmund the last game at home, we had the cup final the next week so we had training the next day. Now it’s completely different. It is clear before the game that this is it. Yes, this will be a long break, 100 per cent. It might even be it. It is definitely my time in England is over because I will not coach another team here. If I manage again it will not be around the corner. Nothing will happen like that.”
Jurgen Klopp’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Liverpool. However, his confidence in Arne Slot, Michael Edwards, and the new leadership suggests a promising future for the club. With Klopp’s endorsement of the recent signings and the solid foundation left behind, Liverpool fans can look forward to a new chapter of success.
