Jurgen Klopp's decision to extend his contract as Liverpool manager was aided by his special bond with the club's players and supporters.
The German's deal was due to end in 2024 but has now been extended until 2026, delighting fans and players alike. And in his programme notes ahead of the Reds' crucial home match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, Klopp has explained how the emotional connection he has with the Merseyside club made signing a renewed deal a no brainer.
Writing in his pre-match column, he said: “There is no secret why. We are in love with this place, and that connection is very much centred on people. The players are a huge factor in this. They are just the most incredible set of boys. From the oldest to the youngest, they inspire me each and every day with their talent and application.
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“As a manager or coach, you are only ever as good as your playing squad. I have been blessed in my career to have worked with some amazing teams and be part of remarkable dressing rooms; Mainz and Dortmund, but also during my earlier time here. This current one I would struggle to better, for sure. It’s not just that they are fantastic with a ball at their feet, or in their hands. That helps for results, yes.
“But it’s also the men they are – coming into work with them is a privilege. They are the reason we are enjoying these fantastic experiences together. I hope I have never taken them for granted and never will. It’s very similar with the amazing club staff we have. These are the guys who prop us up. They put us on their back and carry us when we need them to. Their contribution is off the charts.”
Klopp's stock with supporters has never been higher, something that was perfectly demonstrated by his orchestrating of the Kop before one his legendary victory fist pumps following the Merseyside derby victory against Everton last month. It is something that drives the Premier League and Champions League winner on to be more successful and continue that goal at Anfield.
He added: “Of course, I cannot understate our supporters. The bond we have here is something I could not have envisaged. It’s authentic, it’s real. It feels like we really appreciate each other. And that’s not specific to me – I am only a small part of it. It’s the team and the staff as a whole. We believe in each other and take energy from each other.
“As a manager you can never make promises of success, it’s not possible. It applies to the remainder of this season also. We don’t know what will happen with the competitions we remain active in. But you can do everything within your own capabilities to make sure we at least throw all we have at it, in each moment.”
