Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of Liverpool descending into crisis when he departs, insisting the club will remain “stable”.
Klopp announced last week he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, prompting fears of an exodus of players that have enjoyed working under the German.
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Club captain Virgil van Dijk, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025, did little to dispel those concerns by admitting he “didn’t know’ if he would be a part of the post-Klopp era and that he was “curious which direction the club would go in”.
Asked about the Dutchman’s comments today, Klopp said: “It’s completely normal. It’s clear the outside world will not give you a second to process it.
“A week ago no-one knew about my situation. There was still 18 months on their contracts and no-one asked, so give us a break. No-one has to worry.
“Write what you want, the club is stable. Everything will be fine, I’m 100% sure. I would recommend to stay calm. Very often the fans’ concerns are not as big as you might think. You underestimate the intelligence of our supporters.”
Klopp’s request for Liverpool to put aside the news of his departure and focus on football was heeded on Sunday as the Merseysiders swept Norwich aside 5-2 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Next up is a more difficult-looking test against a Chelsea side that is finally running into form under Mauricio Pochettino.
Alexis Mac Allister is in line to return for our clash against Chelsea, while Thiago Alcantara returned to full training on Monday.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) JANUARY 30, 2024
Chelsea have lost just two of their last 10 games in all competitions, and also secured a place in the EFL Cup final, against Liverpool, next month.
Klopp, whose Liverpool side sit top of the table, five points clear of Manchester City, said: “They are much more settled, much better, play really good stuff, a really good team with an outstanding manager.
“They are a team in form, they have won the majority of their games recently and no-one ever doubted that. We played them on the first matchday [a 1-1 draw] and we were not that good that day and they were, but the point was okay.
“They had a lot of injuries, but now they have a core group together. They have the midfield they want together, the entire back line, other than Reece James.
“It is a really, really good team, even if you cannot see that in the table and I expect them to make big steps, but I hope that starts after they play us.”
