The subject of a contract extension for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after only nine months in charge was only broached a few days ago, but the Reds hierarchy has wasted no time in putting their plan in action with the German manager putting pen to paper on a massive six year deal at Anfield yesterday.
“When you have an individual of Jürgen’s quality in the building it makes perfect sense to secure that person for the long term. To not do so would be irresponsible,” read a joint statement from Principal owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and FSG president Mike Gordon. “The overriding motivation behind this decision is Jürgen’s commitment to overall improvement and development. In Jürgen we have someone who is always looking ahead, always looking beyond his own wants and needs and putting the club first,” continued the statement. “The ideas and plans he has for the football infrastructure excite us and we believe it benefits the organisation to have Jürgen committed to Liverpool for a sustained period, to make sure he is here to oversee this development.”
While the full details of the deal have obviously remained private, it’s believed that the terms have remained very much the same. Klopp, for his part, is already one of the best paid managers in the game — money was never a major factor for the charismatic German. What would have been enticing for him is the opportunity to build a legacy on Merseyside with an ownership group willing to make a long term investment in him and in the football at Anfield. Having led the club to two cup finals during his short stint in charge, the belief is back on the Kop as much as it is in the boardroom.
“I’m happy being Liverpool manager, that’s right. What can I say? When I came here, it was the biggest honour I could imagine that somebody had the idea to ask me if I wanted to be Liverpool manager. It’s wonderful,” said the Reds boss after signing his deal. “It was not my idea, to be honest, but I was quite happy when I heard about it,” he continued with a laugh. “It feels a little bit like a penalty; everybody is celebrating when they hear the whistle, but first of all you have to score and finish,” added Klopp, looking towards the future. “That’s what we have to do now.”
