Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told at his press conference today that the return of Michael Edwards as chief executive of football in Fenway Sports Group will not change his decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season. The German has spoken to Edwards, with whom he had a very successful professional relationship in his role as sporting director before Edwards left in 2022, but there will be no change in his final decision.
Edwards spent more than a decade at Anfield in various roles and owners FSG sought him out for a new position at the club in a bid to lead the Merseysiders through the transition period following Klopp's departure.
Asked whether Edwards had asked him if he would change his mind, Klopp told reporters: "No, because - and this is very important in his job, he is not stupid. This was not a topic for discussion. Can you imagine if I had changed my mind now? Can you? Of course not. It would be the same as when I said I wouldn't go to another club in England and next year sign with our neighbors or a club that needs a coach", said the German, who described Edwards as a "top choice" and went on about his decision to leave:
“I don't say these things without thinking them through beforehand. It would mean realizing now how great this club is and I've always known it. For me this is the best club in the world and yet I am leaving. That's exactly what I was trying to explain".
The 56-year-old Klopp was speaking at a press conference ahead of the round of 16 second leg with Sparta Prague in the Europa League tournament. The Reds are eyeing the quarter-finals after winning the first leg 5-1 away from home. With the League Cup trophy already won, Liverpool are in contention for three more - locked in a title battle with Arsenal and Manchester City, have an FA Cup quarter-final with Manchester United this Sunday and look certain of the last eight in the Europa League.
"The club is in a very good place. People will appreciate that at the end of the season when they see what we've actually achieved, but it's not so important for the future - what we achieve this season is for now. What matters for the future is how good is the team, the players, the structure, the organization? That's exactly where my optimism comes from".
Liverpool's starting line-up against Sparta could include Mohamed Salah after the Egyptian made two appearances off the bench following his recovery from injury. "It would not have been possible to play longer the last match (the 1:1 draw with Manchester City). I'm not sure if he's ready for the full 90 minutes, but in any case he's ready to start. There are ten Premier League games to go and hopefully many more fixtures in the other competitions, so they are just as important. Mo is totally fine with that", the Reds manager concluded. /BGNES
