Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hinted that he would only pen a new contract should he have the "energy" to continue doing the job to the best of his ability.
As it stands, the German schemer is set to quit Anfield in the summer of 2024 as his deal will expire in just over two years’ time. However, the Reds have opened talks to extend Klopp’s stay on Merseyside, with the club remaining hopeful an agreement can be reached.
Whilst a new deal appears some way off being signed, Klopp has already suggested that he will only remain as Liverpool boss should he have the "energy" for the role having previously insisted he would be happy to leave when his original contract ends.
Speaking last month, the former Borussia Dortmund man said: “The plan at the moment is to get to 2024 and then, ‘Thank you very much’. If I have the energy level for it. I love what I do, but I said a couple of times that there must be something else out there in the world, apart from always thinking about very skilled, good-looking, fantastically nice football players!
“At the moment I am full of energy but we have to make sure that remains the case. You don’t want to be sitting around tired more often than not thinking, ‘Wow, why is everyone bothered about things out there? I couldn’t care less'.”
Klopp has certainly enjoyed a brilliant impact at Anfield since he was named as Brendan Rodgers’ replacement in October 2015. His first trophy as Liverpool boss came in the form of the 2019 Champions League title after the Reds beat Premier League rivals Tottenham in the final.
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He followed that up with the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup before leading Liverpool to their first ever Premier League crown at the end of the 2019/20 season. Klopp has added to his trophy haul this season with the Carabao Cup, whilst the Reds are still on for an unprecedented quadruple.
They took a significant step towards the Champions League final on Wednesday evening with a 2-0 victory against Spanish side Villarreal at Anfield. However, Klopp has insisted that the job is not yet done, with the second leg set to take place in Spain next week.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: "Two-nil on aggregate but it is half time. No more, no less.
"Nothing has happened yet. If you play a game and are 2-0 at half time, you have to be 100 per cent on alert. We know we will go there and it will be a tricky atmosphere for us. If they beat us 2-0 over there and go to the final they deserve it.”
Should they reach yet another Champions League final, Liverpool will take on either Manchester City or Real Madrid. The two sides produced a thrilling 4-3 scoreline at the Etihad Stadium earlier this week which means Pep Guardiola ’s men will take a slender advantage to the Santiago Bernabeu.
