Jurgen Klopp's rousing speech to Liverpool players revealed after staff members 'left in tears' by exit

With Liverpool currently top of the Premier League table, five points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, it was an announcement nobody saw coming.

Klopp confirmed the news on Friday morning but it was back in November when he first informed the Reds hierarchy that he was ready to walk away.

Still, however, his imminent departure was kept secret.

According to the Athletic, Klopp yesterday addressed his players and gave a rousing speech to the squad he's moulded, improved and won with over the years.

He joked they were to blame for his exit because Liverpool had reached 'such a high level so soon that he felt he could pass the baton on to someone else'.

Klopp also talked up the talent in the squad, insisting they were capable of winning under a different manager in the future.

That will be easier said than done, however, given the magic the 56-year-old has cast during his spell in the dugout.

The report says some Liverpool staff members were left in tears by the news, which has shaken the club to its very core.

Klopp hasn't just been a successful manager, guiding Liverpool to six major trophies including Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

He has also won plaudits for being the person he is. His passion, drive and hunger for success has driven the club to heights they never thought they'd reach again.

Liverpool, for now, are yet to make any formal approach when it comes to appointing a successor for Klopp.

Xabi Alonso is the frontrunner to take over, with the Spaniard previously spending five years with the club between 2004 and 2009.

But Alonso isn't the only name that will be considered.

It's claimed Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi is on their radar, with the Spaniard working wonders at the Amex Stadium despite the limited resources at his disposal.

Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou, a boyhood Liverpool fan, is another man who has been shortlisted.

Going for Thomas Frank isn't entirely out of the question, with the Dane thriving at Brentford over the years.

And Julian Nagelsmann 'may also be of interest', despite only being appointed as manager of the Germany national team last year.

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Klopp, speaking at a special press conference on Friday, said announcing his exit from Liverpool was a 'relief'.

"The relief was there when I made the decision and that was another thing I realised. Today [my emotion] is mixed but I am not as emotional as I will be [when it's over]," he said.

"I had to tell the owners, then the supporters and players. The players' reaction was top, really good."

And Klopp has made it clear he won't field more questions on his future until the end of the season as he looks to win all four trophies available.

He added: "After today I won't answer any more questions on it (the decision) until the end of the season.

"I had to tell some other people this week earlier and there were some tears, but that's normal after so long together."

On his bond with his players, he continued: "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 the 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."