Jurgen Klopp confirms when he'll leave Liverpool to return to Germany

Premier League - Liverpool v Burnley - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - July 11, 2020 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, as play resumes behind closed doors following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Pool via [REUTERS/Oli Scarff]

Jurgen Klopp says he'll continue to manage Liverpool for the next four seasons before returning to his home country of Germany.

Klopp guided the Reds to a very first Premier League title this season, five years after he replaced Brendan Rodgers at Anfield.

The German signed a new contract with Liverpool in December 2019, which keeps him at the club until 2024, should he avoid being sacked, that is.

And it seems Klopp has absolutely every intention of seeing out his full contract at Liverpool, despite previously hinting at having a sabbatical.

When asked if he'll return to Germany, Klopp told SWR Sport: "Definitely to live, after my career. Most likely even to Mainz".

On how long he'll remain at Anfield, he added: "Four years in Liverpool."

Klopp opened up on his plans for when he returns to Germany, and admitted initially he'd simply like to "do nothing for a year".

After that he confirmed he may be interested in returning to management, but added he may retire from football.

He said: "In five years the world can look very different again."

Prior to Klopp signing his new contract at Liverpool, he said he would like to take a sabbatical at some point.

In 2019, he told Kicker magazine: "I have absolute energy. But I have one problem. I can't do 'a little bit'. I can only do 'all or nothing'.

"When I decide that I cannot do it any longer then I will take a break for a year."

At the time, his comments sparked concern among Reds supporters, given his contract at Liverpool was set to expire in just over two years.

But Klopp put concerns to bed when penning a new deal.

Upon doing so, he said: "For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve.

"When I see the development of the club and the collaborative work that continues to take place, I feel my contribution can only grow.

"People see what happens on the pitch as a measure of our progress and although it is the best measure, it's not the only measure. I have seen the commitment from ownership through to every aspect and function of the club you can think of.

"When the call came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other; if anything, now I feel I underestimated that. It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024.

"If I didn't I would not be re-signing. This club is in such a good place, I couldn't contemplate leaving.

"I must also highlight the role of our sporting director, Michael Edwards, in this journey so far. His input and collaboration has been just as important as anyone else's in getting us into a position to compete for the game's top titles.

"For anyone in football who aspires to compete in an environment where every element of the organisation is at its very best – from the support of the supporters to the vision of the owners – there can be no better place than this."

 

Rugby
SCHOOLS: Kitondo sets sights on national glory ahead of Eastern Region rugby showdown
Athletics
Watch out for improved times at Lukenya marathon on Sunday
Rugby
SCHOOLS: Maseno School renew rivalry with St Mary's Yala in rugby
Hockey
SCHOOLS: Ng'iya Girls, Ageng'a Mixed, Kisumu Girls and Nyamira headline hockey