“Our work together was really good” - Jurgen Klopp rubbishes claims that key member of Liverpool staff left because of him

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recently responded to claims that former sporting director Michael Edwards left the club because of him. The German dismissed the rumors, emphasizing how well they worked together during their time at the club.

Edwards served as sporting director for six years until he departed from the role in 2022. Julian Ward was his assistant for a year and a half before replacing Edwards and serving as sporting director for a year himself.

The pair are now set to return to the club this summer but in different positions, as the Merseysiders prepare for new manager Arne Slot's arrival. Edwards will take up the role of CEO of Football at Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool's parent company, while Ward will become their new technical director.

While discussing the Feyenoord boss' appointment at Anfield, Klopp laughed off claims that he was the reason for Edwards and Ward's departures. The German said (via the Echo):

"It's great but did anyone make a story that they have all come back because I am leaving? It was really not because of me. It's nothing. You can ask Michael Edwards if he will speak in public, but our work together was really, really good."

He added, referencing Liverpool's appointment of Bournemouth sporting director Richard Hughes:

"We worked well together and Richard Hughes, who I know, is a great, great guy. I liked the signings a lot. Who the club is bringing in, I like them all. We have a good team, a really good manager is coming in and we have all these guys too. The club is in good hands."

Jurgen Klopp will manage his final game at Anfield later today (May 19), as the Merseysiders take on Wolverhampton Wanderers.

---

"It might even be it" - Jurgen Klopp hints at possible retirement after Liverpool exit this summer

Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the Liverpool job could be his last appearance as a manager. The German insists that he is set to take a prolonged break from management after he leaves Anfield this summer.

When asked about his future, he said (via Fabrizio Romano):

"It will be a long break, that's for sure. For sure I'm not returning soon, it might even be it."

He added, insisting that his time in England is over, vowing to never coach a rival Premier League team:

“My time in England is definitely over because I’ll never coach another team here, it’s over in Premier League."

Klopp concluded:

“If I manage again, it will not be around the corner."

Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015 and went on to transform Liverpool into one of Europe's most dangerous teams, consistently challenging for titles and trophies.

He has won the Premier League, the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup, and two League Cups during his time at the club.