Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp announced last month that he would leave his role at Anfield at the end of the season. The Reds boss already explained what comes next.
In a surprising turn of events, Jürgen Klopp, the revered manager of Liverpool Football Club, last month announced his departure from the club at the end of the season. Klopp cited a lack of energy to perform his duties to the best of his abilities as the primary reason for his decision, explaining that he needs a break.
The news has left many wondering about Klopp’s future plans and where he might go after leaving Liverpool. Journalist Gerard Moreno, reporting via Twitch, has suggested that the German could be tempted to move to Barcelona, where Xavi has announced he too will be stepping down in the summer. But Klopp has already said he intends to take a year off.
Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool was not impulsive. He informed the club chiefs about his intentions to step down in November. While he did not make it clear what he intends to do next, he was certain that he would not manage any other Premier League team unless he returns to Liverpool.
Interestingly, Klopp had hinted at his future plans as early as 2019 when he expressed his desire to take a sabbatical. In an interview with Kicker magazine, Klopp stated: “I have absolute energy. But I have one problem. I can’t do ‘a little bit’. I can only do ‘all or nothing’. When I decide that I cannot do it any longer then I will take a break for a year.”
Klopp also revealed plans to move back to Germany after leaving Liverpool. He mentioned that he would most likely move back to Mainz, where he plans to take a year off before considering going back into football management.
In an interview with SportBuzzer in August 2020, Klopp suggested that he might retire from football altogether. He said: “I’ll take a year off and ask myself if I miss football. If I say no, then that will be the end of coach Jürgen Klopp.”
Klopp reiterated his plan for a one-year break after leaving Liverpool in an interview with Einfach Fussbal in September 2020. He stated: “When I leave Liverpool, I won’t take a new job the next day. That’s for sure. I will take a one-year break after Liverpool.”
Klopp made his decision to leave Liverpool public in January and explained his reasons on the club’s website. He expressed his love for the club, the city, the supporters, the team, and the staff. His decision to step down despite this love for all aspects of his job shows that he truly believes it is the right decision.
Since Klopp’s announcement, a new theory has emerged as to why he is stepping down. The Telegraph has suggested that Klopp no longer believes the players need him as they once did. After overseeing a transition period in which he rebuilt the Liverpool midfield and brought in new recruits, Klopp is confident that he will leave the Reds in a good place.
Currently, Liverpool is at the top of the Premier League. Klopp believes that now is the right time to step down as he has given the next manager all the tools needed to compete for silverware immediately.
