'He's not dumb' - Jurgen Klopp says Michael Edwards has not tried to persuade him to stay as Liverpool manager
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Updated 13/03/2024 at 15:46 GMT
There will be big changes at Liverpool this summer as manager Jurgen Klopp leaves and former sporting director Michael Edwards returns as CEO of football. Klopp says he is “really happy” to see Edwards back at Anfield but isn't planning to reverse his decision to depart the club. He has also spoken about the end of the season ahead and facing Sparta Prague in the Europa League last-16 second leg.
Edwards is not 'dumb' - Klopp says hierarchy knows not to try and convince him to stay
Jurgen Klopp says Michael Edwards’ return to Liverpool is “top news” for the club – but that he will not change his decision to leave in the summer.
Klopp has announced that he is ending his time at Liverpool at the end of the season.
As he leaves, former sporting director Edwards will return in a new role as CEO of football.
Klopp said he is “really happy” to see Edwards back at Anfield and that they have spoken, but that Edwards has not tried to convince him to stay.
“No. Because, and that's important in the job, he's not dumb. That's not a subject to talk about, to be honest,” said Klopp ahead of the second leg of Liverpool’s UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg with Sparta Prague, which is live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
“Can you imagine I change my mind? Of course not. I cannot say what I said, about not having another club in England then sign for next year for our neighbours or whatever. It's crazy.
"I don't say these things without thinking before. It's not like I am now realising how great this club is. I know it's the best club in the world and I leave it anyway.
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"I just want the club to do as good as somehow possible. I am really sure there is a good basis with the right people in charge. He is top choice."
Edwards joined Liverpool in 2011 and was appointed sporting director in 2016.
The club made several key signings during his time, including goalkeeper Alisson, defender Virgil van Dijk and forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
“Michael and I always had a really good relationship,” added Klopp.
“Very good on a professional basis anyway. Really good. A lot of good things happened in the time when we were here together. Mike decided to do something else. Now he is back, I'm really happy.
"I said a few times, I want to see the club in the best possible place after I left. Everything I can do while I am here I will do. After, other people will have to do it.
“It's a top solution. Our conversation was great. We spoke about a lot of things that I think about. Different things, players, because I was in all the time while he was not in. What might have to change, these types of things. It's top news for the club.”
Liverpool are hoping to send Klopp off by winning the quadruple this season. They have already lifted the Carabao Cup, and with a 5-1 lead over Sparta Prague, seem set for the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
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Klopp says it is still a “long way to the finish line” with 10 Premier League matches remaining, as well as FA Cup and Europa League fixtures.
“We have our challenge now. We play tomorrow and on Sunday. Players have a few games for their countries [in the upcoming international break]. We just play the games.
"Maybe in the moment we have momentum, I don't know if we still have it. I don't know, we did at the weekend. If we don't, we have to get it. Good results always help with performances.
"Even then, it's a challenge to bring it on the pitch. If you play bad you have to play better, you want to play as good or better. The boys are quite consistent in recent weeks but it's a long run-in in all competitions and we are not even close to the finish line. I can't see it.
“I can only see Sparta Prague wants to put things right, and we have to play a good football match because it's our home game and our stadium. It's our competition. We want to make this our competition and go as far as possible."
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