Rafa Benitez makes claim over Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit

30 January 2024 , 08:18

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Rafa Benitez makes claim over Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp and the success he has had at Anfield during his time in charge.

Klopp has announced he will be stepping down at the end of the season after almost nine years in charge and Benitez, who spent six years in charge of Liverpool, has revealed he 'knows how it has happened'.

The Spaniard is currently in charge of Celta Vigo and when he was asked about the news of Klopp's impending departure, Benitez admitted he has a unique insight into the circumstances as a result of his time at the club and the contacts he made.

"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," Benitez said. "I only have positive words about Klopp, because he is my friend and I have a good relationship with him.

"He [Klopp] 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.

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"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."

After announcing his decision, Klopp explained that he was simply "running out of energy" to do the job and vowed to spend a year away from management before deciding what the future holds for him.

Klopp will step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season (Getty Images)

And Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, whose rivalry with Klopp dates back to their time managing in the Bundesliga, believes he will be back. "He's an incredible manager. I haven't got to know him closely, but he's an incredible person as well," Guardiola told ITV.

"I have a feeling when he leaves, part of Manchester City leaves. He's been our biggest rival, Liverpool in these years here and with Dortmund, he's been my biggest rival. He will be missed, I will miss him.

"I'm a little bit pleased, I'll sleep better, the nights before we play against Liverpool. But I wish him all the best. And he doesn't admit it, but he will be back."

Matthew Cooper