Klopp deal is down to Reds winning at regeneration game
LIVERPOOL would not have even broached the idea of a new deal with Jurgen Klopp last season.
He was tired, irritated and drained.
Liverpool’s title defence was ruined by injuries, and Covid-19 meant most of the campaign was played in empty grounds.
But things have changed, and Klopp joked yesterday his new deal is down to his wife, Ulla, wanting to stay in the area.
“As a good husband, what do you do when your wife wants to stay?” said the German. “You stay”.
Although it was a quip, Klopp would not have signed if his family were unhappy.
But he has also been re-energised by the pursuit of a Quadruple, and he is excited about the future.
Departing sporting director Michael Edwards and incoming one Julian Ward have been bringing in talent with an eye on developing the squad.
Luis Diaz was signed in January and, at 25, is set to be leading the next wave of Reds.
Last summer, Ibrahima Konate was signed at 22 from RB Leipzig, while 19-year-old
Fabio Carvalho joins this summer from
Fulham.
Diogo Jota, who at 25, is another who is there for the long term.
“There is a freshness about us as a club still and this energises me,” said Klopp.
“For as long as I have been here, our owners have been unbelievably committed and energetic about this club, and it is clear that right now this applies to our future as much as I’ve ever known.
“We have managed to harness the best of what we have created already at the same time as injecting fresh impetus into our environment.”
There will be more to come, too. Liverpool like Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni, 22, who is also being chased by Real Madrid.
Borussia Dortmund’s England star Jude Bellingham, 18, is also of interest but he is unlikely to be allowed to leave until the end of next season.
“Six and a half years ago, FSG decided to bring in a German fella,” added Klopp. “Now it’ll be another four years.Wow, that is a long time in football.”