Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has shared his reaction to Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool manager, acknowledging that it will take him some time to adjust to not seeing his fellow German counterpart at the helm of Anfield.
Klopp’s announcement on Friday, January 26, regarding his departure at the end of the season came as significant news in the football world. Explaining his decision, Klopp cited a depletion of energy required to manage at the highest level, despite his enduring affection for the club.
Reflecting on Klopp’s departure, Tuchel expressed his sentiments, stating (as reported by journalist Christian Falk on X): “This will take me a long time to get used to. That’s a big news. I have to digest that first.”
Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool has been illustrious, marked by remarkable successes both domestically and internationally. Under his guidance, Liverpool ended their 30-year Premier League title drought in 2020 and secured the UEFA Champions League trophy the previous year.
Jurgen Klopp’s message to Liverpool supporters
During his announcement, Klopp conveyed a heartfelt message to Liverpool fans, urging them to respect his decision. Speaking to the club’s in-house media (per the club’s official website), he emphasized:
“The message to supporters: I really would like you to accept the decision. That would be nice. And then if I can ask for one more thing, after telling you not to sing my song too early, after telling you to be loud in the stadium, stuff like this, if I could ask you for one more thing it would be: don’t make these games about me, because there’s no need.
“The only thing I always wanted was the full support for the team, it’s not for me. I know about our relationship, I don’t need any kind of proof.
“We will have a moment, maybe the last match day here or somewhere else – I mean in other countries or other competitions. There’s enough time to do these kinds of things.
“Let’s now really go for it. The outside world want to use this decision, laugh about it, and want to disturb us. We are Liverpool, we went through harder things together. And you went through harder things before me.
“Let’s make a strength of it. That would be really cool. Let’s squeeze everything out of this season and have another thing to smile about when we look back in the future. Thank you.”
The Reds are scheduled to face Norwich City in the 4th round of the FA Cup on Sunday (28 January) before a Premier League clash against Chelsea three days later.
