No U-turn for Klopp despite changes

– Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp (right) said the return of Michael Edwards as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football would have no bearing on his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

The German has spoken to Edwards, with whom he had a successful relationship as the club’s sporting director until he left in 2022, but there will be no dramatic U-turn.

Edwards spent more than a decade at Anfield in a variety of roles and owners FSG targeted him for a new position to oversee the huge transition that will take place when Klopp leaves.

Asked whether Edwards has asked him about reversing his decision, Klopp told reporters: “No, because – and it’s very important in his job – he’s not dumb.

“That was not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine if I changed my mind now? Can you? Of course not.

“It would be like when I said I’d never (move to) another club in England and next year I signed for our neighbours or a club who needs a coach.”

The German, who described Edwards as a “top choice”, said he had thought long and hard about his decision to step down as Liverpool boss.

“I don’t say these things without thinking about them before,” he said. “It would mean I realise only now how great this club is – I have known about it all the time.

“For me it is the best club in the world and I am still leaving anyway. That’s what I’ve been trying to explain.”

When he announced his decision in January to leave Anfield, he spoke about laying the foundations for his successor.

With the League Cup already secured, Liverpool are targeting four trophies – they are involved in a three-way Premier League race, have an FA Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United on Sunday and appear certain to progress to the Europa League quarterfinals. –