SILVER WARY

Klopp says that it might be time for him to leave Anfield once he wins a major trophy at Liverpool

JURGEN KLOPP reckons he could quit Liverpool the moment he starts bringing silverware back to Anfield.

Klopp has been outlining his long-term plans and says he cannot see himself matching Arsene Wenger’s 20 years in charge of Arsenal at Liverpool.

Seven years has been his limit at his previous clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, and he says he knows when it is time to go.

Klopp, whose current long-term deal will take him to seven years in charge at Anfield, claims that moment could even come if he wins a major trophy – because he may feel that there is no further room for improvement.

However, the German was quick to reassure Kopites he has the desire to carry on at Liverpool for several years yet.

When asked if he could stay at the club for two decades like Wenger, Klopp said: “Stay here 20 years? I don’t know, I don’t know. So far after seven years I have felt I should move on.

“A few weeks ago I saw a statistic for the longest-serving coaches in the Bundesliga and I hold the record at two clubs – Mainz and Dortmund. It would be quite difficult to become the record coach at Liverpool. I don’t know.”

Legendary bosses Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley were in charge 15 years and nine years respectively in Anfield’s glory era.

“As long as it works really, really well, I will carry on,” added Klopp.

“That means as long as there is space for improvement because even if you win something – which everyone here is desperately waiting for – it could be the moment I say, ‘OK, but now we have to leave’.

“So far I think I have a very good feeling for these moments. In both situations, it was the right moment for both parties, the clubs and me. We will see. I don’t feel I am close to that moment yet, and everything is fine.”

Klopp feels it is impossible for coaches to repeat Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson’s longevity at a club because of the huge pressure for instant success.

But he cannot understand why Wenger is being criticised at Arsenal, and says the Frenchman should carry on as long as he and the club feel it is for the best. “If anyone thinks they can make a similar career like Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger in clubs, I am not sure it would be possible with the media of today,” said Klopp. “I think Arsene gets a lot of criticism. I have seen it in the two years I have been in England and, for sure, it is not right.

“But he’s still there and he is doing a brilliant job again. Top five, six, fighting for fourth and being involved in different cup competitions and things like that.

“He is obviously still very ambitious and as long as you feel that, you can stay.”

After complimenting him, Klopp aimed a dig at Wenger when he claimed he switches tactics to play more direct against Liverpool. He says Wenger usually starts Olivier Giroud against them and is curious to see how Arsenal will line up tonight as the France striker is out with a hamstring injury.

“Apart from Manchester City, everybody changes tactics against us,” he said. “Against us most of the time, Giroud plays, even if he didn’t play the game before or the game after. So that says a little bit about the style that Arsenal choose against us.

“Against us it happened quote often that they played a lot of long balls with Giroud.

“He cannot play this time so that will change a few things, but they are still able to create, they are still able to play football. They are a strong side.”