26 January 2024 , 14:29
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The owners of Liverpool, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have shared a heartfelt message in response to Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down as manager at the end of the season.
Since taking over in 2015, Klopp has led the team to Premier League triumph, a Champions League title, FA Cup glory and a Carabao Cup win. He also clinched the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
The American owners, who were already in charge when Klopp arrived, have watched on as he brought plenty of glory to the Reds. And following the announcement, FSG boss Mike Gordon said it would be "business as usual" till Klopp's departure and expressed gratitude for Klopp's achievements.
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The statement reads: “First and foremost, on behalf of John Henry and Tom Werner, I would like to state our profound appreciation for Jürgen,” his lengthy statement began. It goes without saying that we will be hugely saddened to lose not just a manager of such calibre, but a person and leader for whom we have enormous respect, gratitude and affection. At the same time, we fully respect his wishes and the reasons why he has decided the current season will be his last at Liverpool. In keeping with Jürgen’s expressed wishes, we will save the comprehensive tributes for a more appropriate time but nevertheless, we would be remiss if we did not take this opportunity to reaffirm that his appointment remains one of the greatest blessings of our time as owners.
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“The incredible achievements of the intervening years speak for themselves, so too does the joy that Jürgen and his team have brought to all of us supporters. His many accomplishments will never be taken for granted. To appropriate an adage synonymous with another Liverpool managerial great, Jürgen Klopp ‘made the people happy’ and we have total confidence he will continue to do so until his eventual departure.
“It is a testament to Jürgen’s unstinting professionalism and ongoing commitment to the best interests of Liverpool FC that his decision was arrived at in a way which allows for business as usual to be maintained for the remainder of his tenure while simultaneously creating an opportunity for us to prepare for the future.”
Liverpool's owners have responded to Jurgen Klopp's exit (Getty Images)Klopp's next fixture in charge of Liverpool will be the fourth round FA Cup tie against Norwich City. With the fixture at home, he is expected to receive a rousing reception at Anfield.
“Our priority now is two-fold. First, to ensure that the progress that has been made on the pitch this season is maintained in the final months of the campaign," FSG added. "Second, to continue the due diligence behind the scenes which will allow our football operations department to adapt to a future without Jürgen.
“As ever, these ambitions will be pursued in the best interests of the club and its supporters and we will update fans as and when significant developments are made. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to place on record our gratitude to Jürgen for everything he has done and continues to do for Liverpool Football Club. Thank you, Jürgen. When the time comes, you will never walk alone.”