Klopp makes firm statement and speaks candidly about Liverpool contract

Jurgen Klopp TEAMtalk

Jurgen Klopp says he will not walk away from Liverpool while he is under contract.

The Liverpool coach has three years remaining on his deal at Anfield and despite finishing second and winning the Champions League last season the German says it’s too early to talk about a new contract.

The Times reported last month that Liverpool were keen to see Klopp extend his stay beyond 2022, but Klopp, whose side face Borussia Dortmund in a pre-season friendly on Friday, said he was unfazed about a committing to a new deal just yet.

“I will not leave before the contract is ending. That is my side. That is why a contract is important,” he told a press conference.

“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.

“The owners like what I do. I like what the owners are doing. I love the team, they are brilliant. Melwood is sensational. I’m looking forward to going to [the new training ground in] Kirkby and all these things. There is always a step forward.

“We all want to keep the past and traditions and all that stuff, but there needs to be a step forward. It is important that is our attitude. You cannot make that step in three or four years by making sure that I stay until 2000-and-something. It just makes sure that I will stay until then.”

The 52-year-old has not ruled out staying at Anfield beyond 2022, but he does not see any merit in signing a new long-term deal just yet.

“I don’t want ever to be in a situation where people are annoyed that I am still here. That’s the truth,” added Klopp.

“You have that situation in football. It must always be a win-win situation. At the moment, it is 100 per cent and we will see how long that will be. Whatever discussions came up … I saw a few headlines 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. The age group of the boys is good, my age is good for what I have to do. It’s strange that we talk about it three years before.

Klopp made it blatantly clear that his team were the focus.

“[I am] completely focused on Liverpool. Completely,” he added.

“It would be great if we could be around Man City again because that’s the only possibility to have to pass them because it is already clear they are the big favourite again. No problem with that.

“They have a very good situation, which they showed last year especially after having 100 points in the season before – the greed they showed, the determination they showed, it was just impressive.”