Jurgen Klopp looks set to be replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot this summer and the Kop manager is open to a chat if the new man in the Anfield dugout needs it
Jurgen Klopp insists his phone will be on for incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot if he wants to chew the fat over the Liverpool squad he’s leaving him.
But the Kop boss insists he won’t be the one insisting Slot of any new member of staff gets in touch for a low down. The outgoing Reds manager believes his rebuild of “Liverpool 2.0” does not end with him. When asked if he will speak to the new manager, Klopp said: “It is not my decision.
“I am not in a position to give advice. When new people come in, if they want to know something they can call me – the whole world has my number.
“We can speak about absolutely everything, I love talking about everything in this club. I love talking with each person, it’s no problem. But it’s not about me or up to me to be available to ask he or she.
“It’s no problem, I will give whatever I know about.”
Liverpool head into their penultimate home game of the season against Tottenham tomorrow now knowing the fairytale farewell for Klopp of winning the Premier League title would need a miracle.
But Spurs’ defeat by Chelsea on Thursday night confirmed the Reds have achieved Champions League qualification.
The German insists the ‘pressure is off’ and that means he can now enjoy his last three games in charge of the Reds starting tomorrow with the visit of Spurs before a trip to Aston Villa and then a home game against Wolves.
“That’s my idea definitely. It would be crazy if I wouldn’t do it,” he said. “It needs a bit of convincing to be happy with Champions League qualification but it is still allowed.
“It doesn’t help if you lose the next game, especially at home, and lose to Aston Villa and Wolves. So it’s not enjoying in a way. It’s football. The only way to enjoy football is if you win games and that is what we will try. That is why we train really.
“We prepare the boys, we use the time we have now, and let’s see what we can do. But yes my plan is to enjoy it.”
While Champions League qualification may be a success, the Reds were hoping at one point for a quadruple after they claimed the Carabao Cup in February and looked like they could win the title, FA Cup and Europa League.
But with a young squad and a refreshed midfield, Klopp believes his successor can continue building and doesn’t see his departure as a need for that to stop.
He added: “We tried to win the league but it didn’t work out, but you have to see it in the long term as well. Liverpool 2.0 does not end with me.
“It’s just the new Liverpool. It’s just the start, they can make the next steps.”
And the Kop boss is confident Mo Salah will be here to help as he insists their bust-up on the sidelines during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with West Ham was “resolved”.
He added: “Mo as a player is incredible and I don’t think I should speak about that [his future], other people will decide that, especially Mo, I don’t have any signs it will not be like that.”
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
