Jurgen Klopp announces shock decision to leave Liverpool after the season

Klopp claims lack of energy is why he’s stepping away from his head coach position at Anfield. 

Jurgen Klopp has made the shocking decision to step away from Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2023-24 Premier League season. The legendary German manager and the club jointly announced his decision to step away via club channels and an extended interview with Klopp where he explained his decision. 

Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015 after successfully conquering the Bundesliga and disrupting Bayern Munich’s era of dominance with Borussia Dortmund.

Bayer Leverkusen Xabi Alonso is the betting sites favourite to replace Klopp ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season. 

Klopp says goodbye to Liverpool

What started as a regular day for Liverpool fans all around the world turned into one of the saddest days in recent club history when Liverpool posted an interview with Jurgen Klopp on X (formerly known as Twitter) where the German manager revealed he will be leaving the club at the end of the season.  

Klopp himself acknowledged the sudden nature of his announcement, saying “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,” said the 56-year-old manager, before revealing how hard this decision was for him to make. 

“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.”

“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.”

Klopp finished his comments, saying that he doesn’t know if he will ever manage again. “I will not manage a club or country for at least a year,” he explained. 

Fan reaction to the news

Liverpool fans were initially shocked by Klopp’s decision to leave, but it didn’t take long for fans to vocalise their support for Klopp’s decision. 

Tributes for what Klopp has done for the club came in from all corners of the globe. Lebron James, Liverpool part owner and fan, said on X about Klopp “You’ll never be forgotten.” 

Pep Guardiola praised Klopp in his prematch comments to the press before playing Tottenham in the FA Cup.

Who will be the next Liverpool manager?

Top soccer betting sites immediately started offering bets on who will be the next Liverpool manager following Klopp’s announcement. 

At time of writing, Xabi Alonso leads the race with $1.57 odds. The former Liverpool star has led Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga this season. He is reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich as well, should he decide to leave. 

Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is next with $6.50 odds. The Italian has been lauded as one of the most innovative managers in recent history. His Brighton side are currently seventh in the EPL. 

Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery, and Australia’s own Ange Postecoglou are also listed among the favourites at most betting sites. We will keep you updated on how these odds change and other EPL betting news as the season goes on.