Jurgen Klopp press conference: Liverpool’s outgoing boss hits back at Jose Enrique for claiming he quit because of FSG as he distances himself from playing role in search for his successor

This quote feels like it should be framed on a corporate office wall against the backdrop of some clouds or a sunset.

As you’d imagine, there’s plenty of fan tributes coming in off social media, ranging from supporters comparing the news to a death in the family, to others glorying in the peak Klopp era at Anfield when they went blow-for-blow with City.

Here’s just a select few from devastated supporters today…

He made it pretty clear earlier that he after today he doesn’t want to hear anything more about his decision to leave the club.

I mean, I think it’s fair to say there’s no chance of that happening, but you can’t blame him trying to get the focus back on the rest of the season. There’s still five months to play, after all.

Here’s Klopp laying down the law in that presser not so long ago…

It was a somewhat forlorn Klopp that appeared in a video that emerged out of nowhere on Friday to inform the world that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Head bowed, and sounding a little tired, he dropped the bombshell news, and now a body language expert has gone back through the footage to give us a better idea of what the manager might be feeling.

Despit ethe gravity of the announcement today, the thing I’ll struggle to get over is just how weird it is seeing him in jeans.

It feels like he was born in a giant LFC branded coat and a cap.

You can read more about the body language expert’s verdict at the link below.

We heard CEO Hogan talk about some of the legendary managers to have come before Klopp – what do we think the odds are that the German might find himself cast in bronze outside Anfield at some point in the near future alongside his predecessors?

You’d think he’s probably done enought to make the cut, what with the whole winning the Champions League and ending a 30-year wait for the top-flight crown and all.

Well that’s that for an emotional and long press conference from Klopp and Reds CEO Hogan, but stick with us as we continue to bring you all the latest updates and news from Anfield on a momentous day in the Premier League.

There was an interesting bit in there where he seemed to hit out at former player Enrique, and suggested that FSG had nothing to do with his exit

It would be easy in this job to blame the owners and say FSG should spend more…was I always happy with that no but they built two stands, this AXA Centre for the next 40/50 years, we did it properly, the LFC way, which I love. That we didn’t win CL/PLs… is not down to money.

That we got 97 points and 94 points and didn’t win the league or didn’t win more Champions League it wasn’t down to signing one player. If you want to blame anyone, blame me. Having a team that could do all that was exceptional.

And you can read a bit more about that at the link below!

But after all the emotion of today, and all the talk of who’s to come next, and how he felt after announcing his departure in a few months time, it was a typically gruff response to the final question as he quickly reverted to the brusque Klopp we know and love.

Asked if there was anything he was looking forward to doing with his free time once he leaves.

Most people might mention a sunny beach in the tropics, or putting their feet up in front of the telly for once.

Not Klopp, though, who doesn’t even pretend to have any time for that.

I didn’t think about that. I will find things [to do]. Nobody has to worry about that.

Any Liverpool fan will tell you that the last nine years have been a hell of a journey under Klopp.

Interestingly, he has described the last few seasons as ‘dog years’ as we get an insight into the toll that managing one of the biggest clubs in the world has taken.

Last season and three years ago, you can count them as dog years. If you look at a picture from 2015 and now you’d say: “That’s only 9 years [apart]!?”

To be fair, nine years is a proper stint, although it is quite amusing to see how fresh-faced he was in his obligatory holding-the-shirt-at-the-stadium unveiling.

But it’s not just Klopp leaving at the end of the season – his coaching staff including Pep Lijnders are also set to depart this summer.

I will take the break, but the others (who are leaving on the backroom staff) are ready. The impact Pep had in the last few years is second to none. I am thankful and grateful to him, he gave me so many new visions over the last few years.

A famous clip of Reds fans reacting Bill Shankly’s departure has done the rounds today, unsurprisingly, and Hogan has been asked about today’s news compared to the retirement of previous legendary managers.

We were talking about it earlier. I can understand the impact and the shock. We will have the right time and opportunity to look back and talk about his career.

The ride we have been on has been extraordinary. The relationships that have been created, the team that has been built has been a massive credit to him. His impact has been enormous. It has been an incredible eight plus years.

It’s a very funny video, and if you haven’t seen it yet you can see it at the link below.

A sense that Klopp is perhaps growing tired of all the questions on his future as he tries – unsuccessfully – to steer the talk to Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Norwich.

He offers an interesting response when asked if he maybe underestimated how titring the job was, noting that it was more ‘intense’ than exhausting.

It was not tiring, it is intense. I had no clue what to expect. I knew about the size of the club. This is the best club in the world, it’s outstanding. Being an honorary Scouser is one of the best things I could ever have achieved in my life.

A word for the supporters now, who Klopp hopes can ‘accept the decision’ after his announcement was made.

No need to imagine how the Anfield faithful have taken the news today.

I hope you can accept the decision. I’m not in the mood for saying thank you and will do that – these things will happen. But now it’s the rest of the season. We know the outside world want it to be a distraction, but it’s all about us. Everything is clear.

A funny moment when Klopp visibly struggles to get over the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson once U-turned on a retirement decision.

But is there any chance Klopp could go back on his announcement this decision?

No, nothing. If I won everything this season, it wouldn’t change my mind.

I had to make the decision. I thought it through properly. It’s independent of any kind of result this season.

The big one is I can see there is a really good basis for this team. That’s why it’s a good moment to give it to someone else.

Whatever your opinions on Klopp, he doesn’t strike you as someone who does things by half measures, does he?

It had to be asked, didn’t it. CEO Hogan is quized on who might be coming through the door this summer, and, as you might expect, there was no name forthcoming.

To be expected, but far less fun.

From our perspective, I wouldn’t want to set an expectation or No.1 The way we operate as a club is to ensure we have looked at all the information and data. I can’t commit to a timeline on it. It will go on in the background.

But what does the future hold for Klopp after he walks away from Liverpool? Had to imagine one without the other now that it comes to it.

I have never lived a (normal) life. That is true. Having three or four weeks in the summer was enough, but not any more. No club, no country for the next year, no other English club ever, I can promise that. Even if I have nothing to eat, it will not happen.

And what about about his team?

When I said “Liverpool 2.0” I didn’t mean me for the next years. A top manager will come here, play good football. It’s a wonderful future ahead, that is all I want, not to be the passenger who disturbs that process.

Klopp refused to be drawn on what his best moments have been as a Liverpool manager.

He insisted that today was not the time for it, but underlined that there were ‘a lot of special memories’.

I don’t have to remember anything now. In my world, the best memories are still to come. If I say one I will mention the wrong one but that’s not about today. A lot of special memories but not today. I don’t have any regrets.

As he describes what it’s like as a Premier League manager it’s perhaps easy to forget just how much work goes into the job.

There’s no break – as soon as the season is over, it’s all about planning in the summer. At full-time it’s back in front of the media for the third time in two days.

You can hardly blame him for running out of energy, can you?

In a sense, it was like that. The summer was difficult one. We were working really hard to bring in the right players. The summer and preparation we had was outstanding. That gave me a lot of joy. But it’s not about that.

I love the team and how we react, but it’s the stuff we have to do next to it. The planning – the transfer window isn’t just the window – you need to be spot on as well. Then I realised that’s something I cannot… I did it so often. Six press conferences a week for nine years!

Klopp mentioned that he felt he was running out of energy in his intial interview, and he’s reiterated that this afternoon.

He also wanted to point out that he had no idea he would feel this way when he signed his new contract, and believed he was going to go on until 2026, not call it quits at the end of 2023-24.

I am who I am and where I am because of how I am. If I can’t do it anymore then tell the people I stop. It wasn’t my idea when I signed a new contract, I was 100 per cent convinced we would go to 2026. I underestimated my energy levels as being endless. It always was. Now it’s not.

That being said, it did still all come as a surprise for the CEO, who admitted that he was shocked by did ‘understand’ the call from Klopp.

Was I surprised? Yes, of course! But the amount of work and pressure (people don’t see)… I’m surprised but I understand it. Jurgen wanted the club to have opportunity to go through orderly process and not easy to do if this news isn’t public.

The club’s CEO has paid a touching tribute to the manager, noting how Klopp was adamant he would leave the club in a better place when he leaves.

But was there any talk of convincing Klopp to stay? Not for Hogan.

It’s hard to put into words how significant it is. When Jurgen joined us he talked about leaving the club in a better place than he found it. There’s no doubt that he has done that. The news is sad, and I’m sure a lot of our supporters share that emotion.

We have worked alongside each other for the last nine years and I knew this was a decision he had come to and believed in. When your colleague and friend comes to a decision like that, you have to respect it.

Naturally, much of the discourse since the news dropped has been over who is going to come in in the summer to replace Klopp.

A certain Xabi Alonso has had his name floated heavily throughout the day.

But will Klopp have any say himself on who is to come through the door?

Why should I? In this world, you have a few faces who do an incredible you don’t see too often. It looks like I do all the work, I can’t. What we have built is an incredibly strong structure behind the scenes. So many people work here with only one idea: to find the best thing for Liverpool.

As Klopp points out, he now has the chance to leave on his own terms – trophy-laden terms if he can keep his side going in all four competitions this term.

Not many managers get that chance, do they?

It’s different to other situations, usually when he says goodbye it’s because a manager has been sacked. I have to constantly always think about is it still right? No chance last season, a lot of managers would’ve been sacked but never any intention to do that.

The players were told of the decision earlier on Friday before the rest of us found out that Klopp would be departing this summer.

According to the man himself, there weren’t too many questions from his squad, as he noted their ‘strong bond’ after so many years together.

The players I spoke to altogether and a few others after that. The players didn’t have a lot of questions. We have a really strong bond. We are professionals.. The agreement with the players is for one year (at start of season). We are completely in that year and the boys are in a really good mood.

It wasn’t like the players were having a party when I told them, but they were out training as normal. It’s different to when a manager is sacked, who just goes in and says goodbye.

As you might imagine, sitting on this news for a few months would take it’s toll on anyone, and asked how he was feeling now, Klopp admitted that he feels ‘relief’ following the announcement earlier today.

The relief was there when I made the decision and that was another thing I realised, today it is mixed but I am not as emotional as I will be [when it’s over]. I had to tell the owners, then the supporters and players. The players’ reaction was top, really good.

Klopp reiterates his statement first off, admitting he is ‘convinced it’s right’.

You realise we are not young rabbits anymore and we don’t jump as high as we did. I didn’t think about it on purpose, it just happened. This club, especially with the team we have, needs a top manager at its level. When I can’t be there anyone, I have to tell someone. I told the club the decision and my coaches the decision. I still think it is the right thing to do.

Ihave been doing it (manager) for 24 years now and when you have career I have you invest everything you have. I realised my resources aren’t endless. I prefer to put everything into this season. I am not young anymore and can’t jump as high as I could, for example.

He’s here. Strap yourselves in.

So if you’re just joining us – where on earth have you been?!

We’ve had one of the announcements of the season with Jurgen Klopp revealing he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, claiming he has run out of ‘energy’ and wants to leave this summer.

As you’d imagine, the tributes have been flowing at a rate of knots, with football rushing to congratulate one of the true greats of the game and praise the work he has done at the Reds.

But it’s not all over – his side are still in the hunt for four trophies this season, and they’ll surely want to give him the heroic send-off he warrants.

The news broke earlier on today, and we’re now expecting the German in front of the media in the next few minutes to address remaining questions over his decision – so don’t go anywhere!

It’s the news on everyone’s lips with even England rugby star Danny Care admitting that Klopp’s exit leaves him with a broken heart.

‘You can’t replace him, you can’t!’ Care told Sky Sports.

Hard to argue with that at the moment.

Klopp is due to speak at a press conference in roughly 10 minutes time.

The Liverpool boss will undoubtedly be pressed further on his decision to step down at the end of the season.

What are his future plans? Will he ever manage again? Is the German national team an option?

So many potential questions.

It’s a sad day for Liverpool fans and for Klopp, even though he will remain at the club for another four months.

But he is still smiling as Liverpool prepare to face Norwich in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Luis Garcia – a Champions League winner with Liverpool in 2005 – believes whoever takes over from Klopp will find it very difficult to match the German’s legacy at Anfield.

He has spoken about who could replace Klopp, and a Liverpool legend other than Xabi Alonso got a mention…

Man United manager Erik ten Hag has praised Klopp for the ‘amazing job’ he has done at Liverpool over the last nine years.

Xabi Alonso was happy to welcome Klopp to Liverpool when he took the manager’s job in 2015.

Nine years on, could he be the man to succeed him this summer?

None of Liverpool’s starting XI from Klopp’s first game back in 2015 remain at the club, highlighting how the German has transformed the team over the past nine years.

Liverpool players were reportedly only informed this morning that Klopp will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Man United are unlikely to be sad to see the back of Klopp.

Liverpool have recorded the two biggest wins in their history against the Red Devils with Klopp in charge.

Xabi Alonso has declared that he is ‘really happy’ at Bayer Leverkusen despite emerging as the favourite to succeed Klopp at Liverpool.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said: ‘I have huge respect and admiration for Jurgen. I am really happy here, I am enjoying my work here. I am feeling each day and each game is a challenge. I am on a beautiful journey in Leverkusen.

‘The next one, I don’t know. I am thinking about where I am right now. I am in a great place and I am enjoying.

‘Saturday is what really matters. I don’t really care what is going to happen in the future right now.’

Klopp stepping down has sent shockwaves around the football world, particularly on Merseyside, and it was a similar situation back in 1974 when Bill Shankly announced he was resigning.

Klopp has left a lasting impact wherever he has been, and there was not a dry eye in the house for his final home game at Borussia Dortmund.

We can expect much of the same when he bids his final farewell to the Kop.

Klopp’s announcement has even had an effect on rival fans!

TNT Sports presenter Laura Woods is a known Arsenal fan, but has admitted she is ‘upset’ that Klopp will be leaving the Premier League this summer.

Liverpool are back in action on Sunday when they face Norwich in the FA Cup at Anfield.

Klopp has built a remarkable connection with the Liverpool fans during his tenure, and can expect a huge ovation from them once more this weekend.

According to Sky Bet, Xabi Alonso is the clear favourite, but Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi could also be in the running.

Whoever gets it faces a huge task to follow in Klopp’s footsteps.

Let’s face it, there have been plenty! Klopp’s time in England has certainly been entertaining.

Mail Sport has picked out his best moments from over the last nine years.

Klopp has admitted he could call time on his managerial career after leaving Liverpool, and has vowed to never coach another Premier League club.

Liverpool have had some iconic managers over the years including Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, but Klopp is in the conversation.

According to Opta, Klopp has the best-ever win percentage for a Liverpool manager, and is the only one to win all four major trophies.

Liverpool have been labelled the ‘mentality monsters’, and the stats back that up.

Under Klopp, no Premier League team has won more points from losing positions than the Reds.

Xabi Alonso has taken to management like a duck to water after being one of the best midfielders of his generation.

Mail Sport spent two days closely observing his work at Bayer Leverkusen to see what makes him tick.

Klopp admitted his wife, Ulla, convinced him to extend his contract at Liverpool back in 2022, but she has previously raised concerns about the toll working in football has taken on him.

Mail Sport has taken a look at the influence Ulla has had on Klopp’s decision-making during his illustrious career on the touchline.

Is ANYONE staying at Liverpool!?

The club have just announced sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will also leave next week at the end of the January transfer window.

Klopp and Tuchel were rivals when the latter was at Chelsea, but there is nothing but respect between the two German managers.

Bayern Munich boss Tuchel has responded to today’s news by labelling Klopp ‘one of the very best coaches in the world’.

Fans have debated who is better out of Klopp and Pep Guardiola for years, and when it comes to winning streaks they cannot be separated.

Both men have led their clubs to 18 successive league wins, with Liverpool’s coming during their title-winning season in 2019-20.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has reacted to today’s announcement, admitting he is stunned to see Klopp walking away.

Klopp still has a few months left but attention will soon turn to who could fill the void he will leave behind.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has emerged as the leading contender for the role after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga this season.

Liverpool are still involved in four competitions this season, and booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Wednesday.

Will they lift another trophy/trophies before he walks away from Anfield this summer?

Gary Lineker has joined Jamie Carragher in hailing Klopp’s impact at Liverpool as the football words continues to react to his huge announcement.

Jurgen Klopp will speak to the press this afternoon. I wonder what will be on the agenda!

Klopp has been in charge of a staggering 464 games for Liverpool, and will add to that number between now and the end of the season.

His win rate currently stands at 62 per cent, and he has won seven trophies.

Klopp is known for getting animated on the touchline during games, but he has revealed that part of the reason for him leaving is that he is ‘running out of energy’.

Below is his explanation in full…

Klopp has won every available major trophy during his time at Liverpool, but which one should be considered the best?

He led the Reds to the Champions League in 2019, and then ended their 30-year wait for a league title the following year – both outstanding achievements.

Klopp was due to remain at Liverpool until at least 2026, but has decided to cut his time at the club short.

In an emotional interview for the club’s website, he has explained why he has made the difficult decision to leave.

Legendary Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has hailed Klopp on X following today’s shock announcement.

The end of an era is nigh at Liverpool, with Klopp set to walk away after nine years,

The Reds boss has revealed why he feels now is the time for him to step down.

We bring you the shock news that Jurgen Klopp has announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Stick with us as we keep you up-to-date with all the latest reaction to Klopp’s imminent departure after nine years at Anfield.