'He's not stupid': Jurgen Klopp spoke to Michael Edwards, but one topic was off the table
Jurgen Klopp is delighted with Michael Edwards' return to Liverpool but admitted there is one “crazy” suggestion the pair have not discussed.
After the Reds announced that former sporting director Edwards I would be returning to the club as your executive director of football at the end of this season, klopp was quick to endorse the appointment.
But the German, who is to leave Liverpool At the end of the season after nine years at the helm of the club, he revealed that an issue had been left out of the conversations between the two.
Speaking ahead of his team's Europa League match against Sparta Prague on Thursday, Klopp was asked if Edwards had addressed the issue of him staying beyond the end of this campaign.
The 56-year-old was blunt in his response: “No, because he's not stupid!
“It's not a topic to talk about. Can you imagine if I change my mind now? Of course not.”
Reiterating that he is unlikely to go back on his decision to leave the club, he added: “It's like I can't say I would never go to another club in England and then sign next year for our neighbours!
“It would be completely crazy. I don't say these things without thinking about it first.”
He went on to describe Liverpool as “probably the best club in the world”, before stating “and I'm leaving it anyway”.
Despite this, Klopp revealed that he was excited by the news of the return of Edwards, who last worked for the Merseyside team in 2022, after helping to form the team that won the first division and Champions League in 2019 and 2020.
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Welcoming the appointment, the manager said: “We've had a conversation. Michael and I always had a very good relationship and obviously a lot of good things happened when we were here together.
“Now that he's back, I'm very happy.
“I have said many times that I want to see the club in the best possible place after I leave and this is the best solution.”
The Liverpool manager also shared his confidence in the club's future beyond his departure, praising the stability of the 20-time English champions' team.
Klopp said in his press conference: “The club is in a very good position.
“People will only measure it at the end of the season, when they see what we really achieved, but that is not so important for the future; what we achieve this season is for now.”
He continued: “The important thing for the future is how good the team is, how good the players are, how good the structure is, how good the organization is. That's where my optimism comes from.”
Despite expressing further concern over the club's long-term fortunes, the 2020 Premier League winner will no doubt be desperate to leave Anfield on a high as his side aim for a historic quadruple.
To continue to have a chance of winning titles on all fronts, Liverpool must first avoid an incredibly unlikely setback at home to Sparta Prague on Thursday, who 5-1 lead on the whole.
Progress in Europe will allow the Reds to advance to the quarterfinals of the competition, before a delicious FA Cup quarter-finals draw against archrivals manchester united on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's team will then have to refocus their attention on the Premier League title race, where they find themselves behind the leaders. Arsenal by goal difference and being only one point ahead of the current champion city of manchester.
