Jurgen Klopp hits back at claims Liverpool could be dismantled when he departs this summer and insists fans have nothing to fear… as he says ‘give the boys a break’ after questions over Virgil van Dijk’s future
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool fans have nothing to worry about after announcing he would be leaving at the end of the season, along with three coaches and the sporting director.
Captain Virgil van Dijk had refused to commit his long-term future to the club when asked if he had just 18 months left on his contract, with many pundits wondering if turbulent times were ahead at Anfield.
But Klopp hit back at any suggestion of discontent and said Liverpool are in good hands. Asked whether Van Dijk’s non-committal answers were a sign that the team could split, the German replied: ‘No, I don’t think so. It’s completely normal.
‘It was always clear that the outside world wouldn’t give you a second to process it (Klopp leaving). When no one knew about my decision a week ago, no one asked about contracts. Give the boys a break!
‘We have to create a perspective on what is happening. Nobody has to worry. I knew this would happen. Virg didn’t go out and say, “By the way, I want to say…”
Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool fans not to worry about the potential for players to leave
Virgil van Dijk is unwilling to commit his future to the Reds until he has clarity on the club’s long-term vision once Klopp leaves at the end of the season, but the German is not concerned.
‘This club is stable. Everything will be fine, I’m one hundred percent sure. As for the rest, we need to get through this, we need to go through your questions and provide some answers. For our people I would advise: stay calm.
‘Very often the fans’ concerns are not as great as the media might think. You underestimate the IQ of our supporters. It’s all good, don’t worry. The boys love this place, I’m sure.’
Van Dijk last night claimed his comments had been ‘taken out of context’. The Dutchman said: ‘Let me be clear, I am fully committed to the club. I love the club and the fans.
‘It’s not about me, it’s about us. Nothing has changed. Five days ago we weren’t even talking about my contract. It’s stupid. But my focus is to make sure this year is a very special year.”
Supporters are wary of what the future holds if Klopp leaves at the end of the season
Pressuring Van Dijk’s future, Klopp added: ‘To end the story, I will say yes (he wants to stay). It’s only because someone asked Virgil. He is a grown man with a family, four children. He loves this club and is so happy to be here. But when the contract expires, you start thinking.’
Meanwhile, the Liverpool boss explained comments made earlier this season when he said the Reds were ‘lucky’ not to sign Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, when a joke made at a fan event was taken out of context.
“I forgot for 10 to 15 minutes that I’m a public person, so I thought, ‘Oh no, that’ll make a lot of headlines!'” he said ahead of the match between the teams at Anfield.
“The whole market for No. 6s went up. Two No. 6s left our club. The market heated up. We thought maybe we could do Caicedo. We had already done Alexis Mac Allister. So we went in, but he had an emotional agreement with Chelsea and Pochettino.
Klopp assured fans the club was stable amid fears the squad could be dismantled
‘Then we found our top solution. That’s what I meant when I said, “We’re lucky.” We found Wataru Endo. We had Stefan Bajcetic all the time. If one £100m signing had worked, there’s no chance of doing it again. That’s what I meant when I said we’re so lucky.’
Liverpool explored the possibility of former sporting director Michael Edwards returning to the club, but he turned it down.
Mike Gordon, president of owners Fenway Sports Group, called Edwards to float the idea of him taking on a senior role to oversee the club’s restructuring. But he would like a new challenge.