Rafa Benitez says he has 'inside' information on the real reason why Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool.
The Spaniard still knows people at the Merseyside club and claims he knows 'something else' as to why the Reds boss has decided to go.
Klopp announced on Friday morning that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, cutting short a contract that was due to run until 2026.
It will bring an end to a spell at Anfield which has spanned almost nine full seasons following his appointment in October 2015.
Rafa Benitez says he has inside information on why Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool
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Klopp has cited exhaustion as a reason for his departure, claiming he doesn't have the energy to go into another campaign.
But Benitez, who managed Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, has hinted that there are other reasons behind the announcement.
The Celta Vigo boss made the revelation at a press conference on Monday, where he also paid tribute to Klopp's tenure.
Benitez said: "I have an advantage, which is that I have people in Liverpool and also people at the club, so more or less, I know how it has happened.
"I only have positive words about Klopp, because he is my friend and I have a good relationship with him.
"He has done and is doing an enormous job. Everything I can say about Klopp and Liverpool is positive.
"I know something else from inside, and it has more merit than being there.
"He goes and speaks up, giving the club time to reorganise, which, from another perspective, is also very German, because they do notify in advance, so it is not a shock.
"Let’s hope Liverpool will do well for now and when another coach comes too. I hope the best for the club."
Upon hearing the news of Klopp's impending departure, former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique suggested the German had grown frustrated with the club's owners.
Fenway Sports Group have received criticism from fans in recent years for not backing Klopp as much as they wanted in the transfer market.
But Klopp responded directly to his old player during his press conference later on the same day, insisting that wasn't the case.
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Rafa Benitez says he has 'inside' information on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit
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Klopp said: "I saw only this morning, surprisingly, when it came out, I saw Jose Enrique, who I like a lot and obviously has a big Liverpool heart, said whatever I say that it's still about FSG. I can tell you, Jose, it's not. Nothing to do with it.
"It would be easy in this job to blame the owners and say 'Yeah we would have won more trophies if FSG would have spent more'.
"Was I always happy with each second of what we did exactly? No, but it was absolutely fine.
"This club is different because we built two stands, which will last forever. If there is not an earthquake, they will stay there.
Rafa Benitez paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp's tenure at Liverpool
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"This AXA Centre will stay for the next 40/50 years, wonderful, everything set. We did everything properly, the Liverpool way.
"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 not signing one player.
"If you want to blame anyone for not winning the Champions League [more], blame me."
