In his latest column, Paul Merson gives his views on Jurgen Klopp's surprise announcement to leave Liverpool at the end of the season; the Sky Sports pundit says he would now like to see the Reds go on to win the Premier League title
Tuesday 30 January 2024 11:22, UK
In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson reacts to Jurgen Klopp's shock decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season...
I was shocked, they are on for the quadruple this year, it is not like they are struggling.
I am a massive fan of Klopp, a top manager, what he has done there. He has got them back right on it again this year after being off it last year. It shocked me, but it just shows how much hard work you have to put into it, a lot of hours and it takes its toll in the end.
He is probably looking at it with Manchester City and the way they are going and it is hard, the same at Dortmund where he had to work his socks off to get whatever they won. It is the same at Liverpool.
It takes its toll. I was a manager, there are not enough hours in the day, it just does not stop. Do not get me wrong, they get great money, but it is a job that takes up a lot of hours.
When he comes away from Liverpool, though, he may not like his normal life. People like being in the thick of things - you only have to see Neil Warnock over the years. People like to get back in so it will be interesting, he probably just needs to recharge his batteries before going again.
But fair play to him, I could not talk highly enough of him. I am a massive fan, I really think he is one of those managers who could go into League One or Two and take a team through the leagues.
It is a massive, massive loss for Liverpool, what he has done is put Liverpool back on top again where for 30-odd years that was not the case. They won one in 30. If you are not an Arsenal, Manchester City or Manchester United fan this year, you'd love to see Liverpool win it.
They waited 30 years, then won it in lockdown when it was not the same as the poor fans were not allowed to be there.
You also have to remember the players he bought in the summer. No disrespect to Liverpool, but a big part of that will be Jurgen Klopp and then all of a sudden, he is now leaving and they will be, 'wait a minute, I came here for Jurgen Klopp'.
But those players are at a fantastic, unbelievable football club, one of the best in the world, so be careful what you wish for.
