Jurgen Klopp has once again candidly opened up about his decision to leave Liverpool, admitting that the team's recent form issues would likely have continued into the next season under his leadership.
Liverpool's campaign took a nosedive following their FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Manchester United in March, with the team now out of the running for both the FA Cup and Europa League, and a third-place Premier League finish looking probable.
Despite initial success after Klopp's shock resignation announcement in January, with Liverpool winning 10 out of 12 matches, the German tactician believes the club would have faced similar struggles next term due to his waning energy levels.
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Klopp, who appeared weary, told Sky Sports, "The football hasn't been great the last few weeks, and as a result you start hearing people say that I look really tired. I'm just old."
He added, "I'm about being in it 100 per cent until the last day. That was always the plan. I was sure that if I didn't make that decision now, next year it could have been tricky. The thought of picking yourself up for another pre-season, make big decisions.
"For that, you really need to be full of energy. 80 per cent is not enough. That's the truth. It's too much. It's a 24/7 job. Yes, there are more important things in life, but if you really care then it's 24/7.
"I did it for a pretty long time and I knew I couldn't continue to do it at the standard necessary for a club like Liverpool."
Liverpool are set to announce Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as Klopp's successor in the coming weeks. Despite stepping down, Klopp has expressed his desire to return to Anfield as a spectator.
"It will be super tough not to be part of it anymore in the way I'm part of it now because I will stay part of it, I will," he added.
"I will come and watch games, and if whoever is the next manager doesn't like having me in the stands, this time, I couldn't be bothered."
The Reds got back to winning ways on Sunday, scoring four goals against Tottenham and taking all three points despite a late lapse in concentration, for a final 4-2 scoreline.
Mohamed Salah found himself back among the goals, following his recent touchline spat with Klopp at West Ham.
The Egyptian ace and his manager clashed publicly on the touchline, with Salah seemingly furious to be entering the match from the substitutes bench.
The pair have since patched up their differences, and Salah is reported to be open to extending his Anfield contract which is currently due to expire in the summer of 2025.
