Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Michael Edwards has not attempted to persuade him to do a U-turn on his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
It was confirmed this week that former sporting director Edwards will return to Liverpool, after being appointed as Fenway Sports Group’s new chief executive of football.
Edwards left Liverpool in 2022, having helped oversee a successful era in the club’s history, working alongside Klopp to create a team that won the Champions League and Premier League.
His return is designed to help ease the transition from Klopp to a new manager and the latter has said there have been no talks in an attempt to persuade him to stay on at Anfield.
“We had that conversation. Michael and I always had a really good relationship. Very good on a professional basis anyway. Really good,” Klopp said at a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Europa League clash with Sparta Prague.
“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.
“I said a few times I want to see the club in the best possible place after I left. Eveything I can do while I am here I will do. After other people will have to do it. It’s a top solution. Our conversation was great. We spoke about a lot of things that I think about. Different things, players like. 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 change his decision, Klopp saod: “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.”
