26 January 2024 , 11:33
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Jamie Carragher has described Jurgen Klopp's announcement he is leaving Liverpool as a "body blow".
Klopp has confirmed he will quit his role at Anfield at the end of this season after nine years at the helm. Klopp's current Liverpool contract runs until 2026 and he had only extended his deal two years ago, which was previously due to expire this summer.
But the German coach had admitted he is "running out of energy" for the high-pressure role and says he is "convinced" now is the right time to step aside. Liverpool fans have been left reeling by the decision as the club now works to line up a successor, though Klopp's exit will leave a huge void that will be difficult to fill.
Former Liverpool star Carragher reacted to the bombshell news on social media, writing: "This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came. I just thought it would be another few years away. What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen!"
Klopp has been in charge at Liverpool since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015. Since then, Klopp has revived the club's fortunes on a remarkable journey, leading them to their first Premier League title and their sixth Champions League crown.
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His announcement comes as a huge shock, as he confirmed the news of his departure in an emotional video on the Liverpool website. "I can understand that it's a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it," he said.
"I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.
Jamie Carragher has described Klopp's announcement as a "body blow" (Graham Hunt/ProSports/REX/Shutterstock)"It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.
"After the years we had together and after all the time we spent together and after all the things we went through together, the respect grew for you, the love grew for you and the least I owe you is the truth – and that is the truth."
The Liverpool boss will be hoping to end his spell with more silverware with the Reds already in the Carabao Cup final this month while topping the Premier League table and chasing success in the Europa League and FA Cup.