Jurgen Klopp jokes about Arne Slot's Liverpool success — 'I wondered'
Jurgen Klopp has revealed his thoughts on Arne Slot's strong start as Reds boss, and how stepping away from the dugout has helped him reconnect with everyday life.
Klopp officially stepped down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season after nearly nine transformative years in charge. He transformed Liverpool from a side battling for European qualification into one of the Premier League's most dominant forces. During his tenure, the Reds secured their first-ever Premier League title, lifted the Champions League, and added several other major trophies to their cabinet.
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Klopp's departure was marked by emotional tributes across the football world, and the club wasted no time in appointing Dutch coach Slot as his successor, who led the Reds to their second league title in his first season in charge.
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Speaking to German outlet Welt, the former Liverpool manager admitted that while he stays in contact with players, the club's owners, and even Slot himself, he's glad to have moved on from the demands of elite management. "The contact is very good – some players write now and then or send a holiday photo" said Klopp. "The owners have become good friends. I've also messaged with Arne from time to time – we've only met once in person. He appreciated the gesture."
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Klopp couldn't resist a bit of humour when discussing Slot's early success at Anfield, joking: "And honestly: when things started going so well under him, I briefly wondered whether I liked that. (laughs) Yeah, it's great – it makes me happy."
The German recently returned to Merseyside as an ambassador for the LFC Foundation and described the experience as 'lovely,' but made it clear that his time as Liverpool manager is truly behind him.
"I was recently back in Liverpool… it was lovely seeing everyone again. But I'm glad I don't have to be there every day anymore. My time in Liverpool was wonderful – but it's over. A bouquet of memories – and 99 percent of them are beautiful" added the 58-year-old.
Jurgen Klopp joked about Liverpool's success under Arne Slot -Credit:(Image: GETTY)
Now as Red Bull's Head of Global Soccer, the 58-year-old has embraced a new, more balanced routine centered around physical health and personal time — a stark contrast to the tunnel vision required during his managerial career.
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Klopp added: I've basically changed my life – incorporated sports into my daily routine. I've never had a six-pack and don't need one, but I work out to strengthen my whole body. Tennis, padel, jump rope, weight training – it's all in there.
"Look at pictures from when I left Dortmund – four months later, I started in Liverpool and had lost 16 kilos. All from sport and healthy eating. I probably played tennis 70 to 80 times, each for two hours.
"But when I was working, I didn't pay attention to anything happening around me. I ate whatever was there – didn't care what or when. I was in a tunnel, but never truly present. Now I pay more attention to myself.
"As weird as it sounds, I stopped doing what I always wanted to do – because it took me too far away from normal life. "
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While some believe it's only a matter of time before he returns to the touchline, Klopp was firm in his outlook.
"People have started saying to me: You'll be back on the bench soon. But my feeling says: No. I loved my job – but I don't miss it.'
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