Liverpool boss Klopp says Edwards hasn't asked him to stay

Posted Thursday, March 14, 2024 by ESPN

New Fenway Sports Group (FSG) Football Chief Executive Michael Edwards, who will run Liverpool's football operation, has not asked Jürgen Klopp if he will remain as manager after this season because "he is not dumb," the club's German boss said Wednesday.

Edwards' new role at FSG, Liverpool's American owners, was announced on Tuesday and his appointment is seen as a major step forward for the club as they look towards their next era.

Klopp said Edwards had not tried to dissuade him from leaving the club at the end of the season.

"No, because and it's very important because, he's not dumb," Klopp said.

"There was not a subject to talk about to be honest. Can you imagine I change my mind? Just can you?"

Edwards, who left Liverpool in 2022, was previously their sporting director and is credited with overhauling the club's recruitment strategy and identifying Klopp for the manager's role in 2015.

Klopp said he is happy Edwards has decided to return to the club after playing a significant role in their recent success.

"We always had a really good relationship. Very good on a professional basis anyway," Klopp said.

"A lot of good things happened obviously when we were here together then Michael decided to do something else. Now he's back I'm really happy. I said a few times that I want to see the club in the best possible place after I left.

"Everything we can do as long as I'm here I will do. After that other people have to do it, I think it's a top solution.

"Our conversation was great we spoke about a lot of things, what I think of different things, players stuff like this, the situation at the club, because I was in all the time when he was not in.

"A really good talk and that was that. I think it's top news for the club."

Klopp said Edwards' appointment, as well as the squad's promising young players, has added to his confidence that Liverpool will succeed on and off the field when he departs in the summer.

"Yeah absolutely. The club is in a really good moment, really good place," Klopp said.

"People will measure only at the end of the season and have a look what we really achieve but that's not that important for the future.

"But the future is important, who good is the team, how good are the players, how good is the structure, how good is the organisation. That's where my optimism comes from."

Liverpool host Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League round-of-16 on Thursday with a 5-1 lead.

They will then visit Manchester United for an FA Cup quarterfinal clash on Sunday.

"We need the best legs for [Thursday's] game," Klopp said.

"We need to keep rhythm and keep going... don't think about next game on Sunday, even when it is Manchester United."