Liverpool fans rejoiced yesterday after it was announced that their hugely impressive manager Jurgen Klopp had agreed to a contract extension which will him remain at Anfield until 2026.
The German coach – who has won a Premier League, Champions League and League Cup title since taking over in 2015 – had originally suggested he would take a break from football when his previous deal ran out in 2024. On the back of yesterday’s news Klopp has been discussing why he decided to extend his stay on Merseyside and why he thinks ‘stability’ at the 19 times league champions will be beneficial in future transfer windows.
“For me, at this moment in time, this is the place to be. This club offers a lot, we are building a stand again and it’s a sign we never want to stop developing,” Klopp told the press ahead of his sides away clash with Newcastle tomorrow.
“The main reason is for signing – it was actually I thought it would be like this when I signed the last one. I didn’t really think about it [leaving after 2024] after that, but the plan changed.
“We want to try and make this club successful for as long as possible, if not forever. That doesn’t mean I will be here forever of course!
“It is done early… and it’s good for transfer windows. We cannot guarantee success but we can guarantee stability which in difficult times is a big thing to guarantee.”
Liverpool fans will no doubt be hopeful that Klopp’s extension will help tie superstar attackers Sadio Mane and Mo Salah down to new deals and while the 54-year-old distanced himself contract negotiations he was quick to stress just how good his relationship is with the prolific pair.
“I think that’s a question for the boys,” Klopp said. ”My relationship with both players is great. If it’s a positive sign for the boys then great, but I don’t think this will be a decisive factor. But the players who want to be here now know what they can expect.”
Quadruple chasing Liverpool will move two points clear of Man City – temporarily at least – if they beat Eddie Howe’s Newcastle tomorrow at St. James Park in Saturday’s early kick-off.
