Jurgen Klopp 'Cannot Imagine' Leaving Liverpool Amid Speculation Over Future
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he 'cannot imagine' not being Reds boss, highlighting his commitment to the club and quashing speculation that he could walk away or refuse to enter negotiations about extending his contract beyond its current 2022 expiration.
Since signing a fresh six-year contract in 2016, Klopp has overseen a Liverpool rise that culminated in Champions League glory last season. His squad also recorded an incredible 97-point tally in the Premier League and domestic glory is still an elusive target for which to aim.
"I will not leave before the contract is ending. That is my side. That is why a contract is important," Klopp is quoted as saying by the Daily Telegraph.
"We have enough time to make decisions in that department. There is no need to do it now. Three years is really a bit early to be concerned. It is just a contract."
In further comments published by the Daily Mail, he added, "I cannot imagine a day [when I will not be Liverpool manager] but it is not important. I don't want ever to be in a situation where people are annoyed that I am still here. That's the truth. You have that situation in football.
"It must always be a win-win situation.
"At this moment, it is 100 percent and we will see how long that will be. Whatever discussions came up...that I will finish for sure in three years, that I will sign a contract and all that stuff. I have three years. It is all good. I love this team - they are brilliant.
"The age group of the boys is good; my age is good for what I have to do. The owners like what I do; I like what the owners are doing. I will not leave before the contract is ending. There is no need to [renew] it now."
Preparations for the new season continue. Having so far played friendlies against Tranmere Rovers and Bradford City, Liverpool will face their first real test of preseason on Saturday when they meet Borussia Dortmund, Klopp's old team, at Notre Dame University in Indiana.
Liverpool will then face Sevilla in Boston the following day, with a final tour game against Sporting CP in New York on 25 July. Napoli and Lyon await the Reds back in Europe before the end of the month.