Klopp insists no U-turn on exit despite Edwards’ Reds return
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists the return of Michael Edwards as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football will have no influence on his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.
The German, who says he no longer has the energy to lead the team, is set to depart Anfield in the summer, signalling the end of an era for the Merseyside club.
Owners FSG stepped up their succession planning this week by re-hiring former sporting director Edwards, the man who originally brought Klopp to the Premier League in 2016.
Edwards oversaw the most successful period in Liverpool’s recent history, building the squad that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following year, signing players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Sadio Mane.
He left the club in 2022 but has been persuaded to return in a more senior role, with final say on all footballing matters.
Klopp, however, who was talking ahead of the Reds’ Europa League last-16 second leg tie against Slavia Prague tonight, revealed he had already to spoken to Edwards to reiterate his intention to leave.
“We had that conversation [about staying],” said Klopp. “Michael and I always had a really good relationship. Very good on a professional basis anyway. Really good.
“A lot of good things happened in the time when we were here together. Mike decided to do something else. Now he is back I’m really happy.
“Our conversation was great. We spoke about a lot of things that I think about. Because I was in all the time while he was not in. What might have to change, these type of things. It’s top news for the club.”
Asked if Edwards had tried to persuade him to stay, Klopp added: “No, because, and that’s important in the job, he’s not dumb. That’s not a subject to talk about to be honest. Can you imagine I change my mind? Of course not. I cannot say what I said, about not having another club in England then sign for next year for our neighbours or whatever. It’s crazy.
“I don’t say these things without thinking before. It’s not like I am now realising how great this club is. I know it’s the best club in the world and I leave it anyway. I just want the club to do as good as somehow possible. I am really sure there is a good basis with the right people in charge. He is top choice.”
With his side leading 5-1 from the first leg, Klopp hinted at changes for the return against the Czech side at Anfield. “The idea of the line-up will be to have the best legs for that game, because that’s we need,” he said. “We have to ignore the result [from the first leg]. We need to keep rhythm and keep going.”