Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has given a passionate defence of Jurgen Klopp amid recent pressure on the Reds boss.
Klopp has been under some scrutiny in recent weeks because of Liverpool’s start to the season. Despite qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages, the Reds have found it much more difficult domestically.
In the Premier League, Liverpool are currently in ninth place in the table and have lost their last two fixtures against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. This has led to tentative speculation regarding Klopp’s position in charge of the club.
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Tuesday even saw Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, deny suggestions that the German could resign as Liverpool manager in the near future.
"I can assure that Jurgen Klopp has no intention of resigning from Liverpool FC," Kosicke told Sky Sports.
"The fact that problems could arise this season due to the past intensive season was taken into account by the club's owners before the start of the season.
"Jurgen enjoys the backing of the people in charge and is in regular contact with them. He loves the club, his team and the fans and is determined to continue and successfully complete the transition in Liverpool. He didn't extend his contract until 2026 for nothing."
Now Friedel, who made 31 appearances for Liverpool from 1997-2000, has shut down the rumours suggesting Klopp could leave the club.
Friedel told Fair Betting Sites : “I couldn’t even fathom it, why? I don’t even understand why that is a talking point at this moment in time.
“Him leaving should not be spoken of, nor do I think there should be any talks at the boardroom level about him leaving.”
He added: “I would like to see Jurgen Klopp stay there for a long time. He’s done that good of a job and his teams have been that exciting that I’ve not even given it a thought as a Liverpool supporter and as an ex-player to even think about a replacement.
“Just because they’ve had a difficult start to the season does not mean that you should start looking for a replacement. I would like to see him there for many, many years to come to be honest with you.”
Friedel also had his say on the reasons behind Liverpool’s inconsistent form this season. The former goalkeeper went on to explain why he thinks the Reds could benefit from the upcoming break for the World Cup.
“Last season definitely took its toll, probably a little bit more than what was anticipated,” said Friedel. “I think injuries and suspensions have also come into play.
“In 2020/21 they didn’t have the best of seasons either. It was mainly due to not having that fantastic back four.
“I see very little problems with the club and the players, I think the squad and the staff are outstanding. They’re just going through a little bit of a slump right now.
“Jurgen Klopp is the right man for the job, no doubt. The squad is magnificent, and this season will be.
“Because we have this World Cup break, I think what we’re gonna see is quite a few teams have different form – drastic from before the World Cup to after. I think Liverpool will be one of those sides and for the better.”
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