- Klopp walked away from managerial role at Liverpool at the end of last season
- The Anfield club twice finished second behind Manchester City during his tenure
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Jurgen Klopp has promised to throw a garden party for all his former Liverpool colleagues if Manchester City’s titles are taken away from them.
Klopp has ended a seven-month sabbatical and begun his new role a Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer; he was unveiled in Salzburg, in front of more than 200 media outlets from around the world, and spent 90 minutes in the futuristic Hangar 7, next to the city’s airport, fielding questions.
A break has done Klopp the world of good, as he looked leaner and fresher than when departing Anfield last May. The effects of eight-and-a-half years trying to awaken a sleeping giant had taken a physical toll but he is now focused on a new challenge.
Still, as this was the first time Klopp has spoken publicly since leaving Liverpool, there was an opportunity to discuss matters back in England and it was put to the German that if the Premier League’s battle with City goes in a particular direction, his trophy haul may look different.
Liverpool were champions five years ago but they also finished second twice, when they accrued 97 points in 2018/19 and 93 points in 2021/22. If City are stripped of those victories when the findings of their 115 charges are revealed, Klopp knows exactly what he will do.
‘We had this discussion when I left,’ said Klopp. ‘I haven’t spent a lot of time in Majorca because I am always flying around the place. But if it would happen, I told all the people who wanted to (come): “Just book a flight to Majorca. I will buy the beer!” We’d have our own parade in my garden!’
Jurgen Klopp was unveiled as Red Bull’ Global Head of Soccer at a press conference in Salzburg on Tuesday
During his time of charge of Liverpool, his side twice finished second behind Manchester City after racking up more than 90 points in the league
The Premier League have been investigating whether Man City have breached their financial rules
He then paused: ‘’Oh God… what a headline! We will see. I didn’t follow (the narrative of the case) at all. It could be two months (away from a finding)? Wow.’
Klopp remains in contact with his successor Arne Slot and several members of the squad he left behind; he is looking one at what they have achieved with a sense of pride but does not have any regret that he walked away from it all; he made the announcement on January 26 last year.
‘I’m so happy for them that they do so well,’ said Klopp. ‘There is not a one per cent part of me that thinks I should be there. I am more than happy not to be there. I wish them all the best and I watch as many games as I can. They are maybe the best balanced team in the world right now.’
Asked about the contractual situations of star trio Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp quipped that one day he would love to recruit them to the Red Bull empire but had a serious point to make about the England right-back.
‘I’m so happy I’m not in charge with that situation and having to answer those questions every week,’ said Klopp. ‘I’d love all three of them to extend their contracts. They don’t tell me what is going on. When Virgil is 41 to 44, I’m sure he’d love to play for New York… I’d welcome him with open arms!
‘I’m not sure we could afford to sign Mo! hope he stays. He’s the biggest striker LFC have had in many years. They were other really good strikers too … he’s a fantastic player and a fantastic human being. He’s an outstanding athlete. I hope he stays at Liverpool.
‘Trent? I still can’t believe that you discuss that he can’t defend. I watched a few press conferences. Oh my God. Yes, he did not play well against Manchester United. Imagine if you made such a fuss of him when he played well as when he did not play well. It would be such a cool planet.’
Klopp put to bed suggestions that he has a verbal agreement to leave Red Bull if the role of German national manager became available and also responded to criticism from fans of his clubs, Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, that he had gone against how own principles joining the drinks giant.
‘I was thinking about this in Leipzig the other day,’ said Klopp. ‘Don’t the people in Leipzig deserve to see good football? If you want to understand (my position), you can. I respect and accept all opinions. In my mind, the people of Leipzig deserve to see good football.’
