Irish Daily Mirror

Perfect fit to build dynasty to rival Fergie

- BY ANDY DUNN Chief Sports Writer @andydunnmi­rror

BEYOND the blatantly obvious – the fact that one of the most talismanic, charismati­c and brilliant managers the English club game has ever seen has committed himself to Anfield until 2026 – there are many reasons why Liverpool fans should be ecstatic today.

Would Klopp have extended his deal had he not been told that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and, probably, Roberto Firmino were going to sign new contracts? No.

Would Klopp have extended his deal had he not been assured he will be given the size of transfer kitty that will enable him to continue to take the fight to the financial giant that is Manchester City? No.

Would Klopp have extended his deal had he not considered the current crop of academy kids good enough to produce more gems in the mould of Trent Alexander-arnold (below), Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott? No.

Would Klopp have extended his deal had he not been mightily impressed with Fenway Sports Group’s grand plans, including the stadium developmen­t? No.

Over the last couple of years, speaking publicly or privately to Klopp, it has always been clear that he considers his time on British shores to be finite. The pull of his homeland is strong, naturally.

He has also made it clear that the fame, attention and life permanentl­y in the glare of the public and media spotlight takes its toll. Klopp, 54, likes a quiet pint as much as anyone. He likes a spot of privacy, too.

And he brings so much intensity and passion to his profession­al duties that he could not envisage doing it non-stop for decades. The highs of football can be as psychologi­cally draining as the lows, odd as that sounds.

But while you would not know it from his antics in the technical area, perhaps Klopp has found a balance.

He has always railed against the idea of creating a Sir Alex Fergusonst­yle dynasty.

Maybe his mind has been slowly changed. Maybe this epic campaign has prompted him to think again.

It has obviously prompted him to sign until 2026, but maybe he is even thinking of beyond.

Maybe, just maybe, he is thinking about Fergie-time. And for Liverpool FC, that would be worth celebratin­g more than any Quadruple.

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