Liverpool stars 'only found out about Jurgen Klopp's exit a few hours before announcement' as details emerge

Liverpool stars 'only found out about Jurgen Klopp's exit a few hours before announcement' as details emerge

WATCH NOW: Reaction as Jurgen Klopp steps down as Liverpool manager

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 26/01/2024

- 13:39

The 56-year-old is leaving the club at the end of the season after a remarkable stint on Merseyside

Liverpool players only found out about Jurgen Klopp's departure a few hours before the club's announcement, reports say.

The German has won every major trophy at Anfield, including Premier League and Champions League titles in 2020 and 2019 respectively.


Liverpool announced Klopp's imminent departure earlier today.

But players were kept in the dark until just a few hours before the news broke to the public, according to the Telegraph.

Liverpool Jurgen Llopp

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is leaving Anfield after eight-and-a-half glittering years in charge

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Klopp has already revealed he told Liverpool he wanted to leave back in October, having started to 'lose energy' while the rigours of the job take their toll.

He has, however, always managed to get on with his players during his time at Anfield.

Big players such as Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have all been recruited under the German's watch.

And they, like the rest of the world, were left surprised by Klopp's departure.

Regarding the next manager of the club, several names are in the frame to take over.

Xabi Alonso is one option, with the Spaniard previously spending five years at the club between 2004 and 2009.

Alonso was part of the Reds team that won the Champions League in 2005, as well as the FA Cup 12 months later.

He has worked wonders at Bayer Leverkusen this season, with the German giants currently top of the Bundesliga table ahead of defending champions Bayern Munich.

And Alonso is seen by many as the favourite to take charge, especially due to his close links with the club.

Zinedine Zidane, Roberto De Zerbi and even Steven Gerrard have also emerged as potential candidates.

But, for now, Liverpool's focus is on ending the season on a high.

The Merseyside giants are top of the Premier League table, five points clear of Manchester City having played one game more.

They're through to the final of the Carabao Cup, with the Reds due to face Chelsea with silverware on the line.

And they're going strong in the Europa League and FA Cup, too.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp has told GB News that he sympathises with Klopp after the 56-year-old confessed he was 'losing energy'.

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Liverpool Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool players have been left stunned by the departure of Jurgen Klopp

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“It’s a well-paid, fantastic job, don’t get me wrong”, Redknapp said.

“But the pressure is non-stop. When you’re at a club with a lot of fans, you want to do well for them.

“When it isn’t going well. It’s a nightmare. Klopp is probably a bit tired and may be losing a bit of that energy and drive.

“You would never believe it because of that smile on his face.

“He still looks like he is loving every minute of it, so it’s come as a big shock.”

Jurgen Klopp Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp could be replaced by Steven Gerrard or Xabi Alonso at Liverpool

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Klopp has won 283 of his 466 matches in charge of Liverpool.

The club are next in action against Norwich City in the FA Cup on Sunday (2.30pm).

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