‘Running out of energy’: Juergen Klopp to step down as Liverpool manager at end of the season

Liverpool are currently leading the English Premier League over Manchester City and Arsenal, after a struggle last year, when the team finished fifth.

“For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about. When I realized pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome,” he said.

Klopp said Fenway Sports Group, the U.S.-based owners led by John Henry, “accepted” the decision.

“We developed a really good relationship over the years, but I explained it, and they know me now for so long that they know I don’t say these kind of things and leave a little bit of the door open, ‘Come on, try to convince me’ and these kind of things,” said Klopp.

Klopp said he had to announce the decision before the end of the season, so that the club can plan for next year.

In nine years under Klopp’s direction, Liverpool won its first Premier League title in 30 years, and also won a Champions League title.