Jurgen Klopp has outlined his plans to quit Liverpool in 2024… but insists the final decision will depend on his energy levels when his contract expires.
Asked to clarify his future plans - after saying in midweek he “doesn’t know” if he will re-sign as Reds boss when his current contract terminates in two years, he replied with a smile: “The plan is, at the moment, to do (until) 2024 thank you very much!"
That is the first time he has spoken so clearly and openly about his future, though the signs have been evident for some time that his latest contract could well be his last.
Yet with Liverpool competing with so much energy in pursuit of an historic quadruple this season, and with their manager showing no signs of slowing down on the relentless pace he sets, Klopp left that ‘decision’ open.
And in an important clarification which will give Reds fans the world over some hope that he could yet extend, he explained that the final decision will be made purely on his energy and appetite for the demanding job when the time approaches.
Asked to outline what the factors will be in making his decision, he said: “If I have the energy levels for it. It is important.
“I love what I do, but I've told you a couple of times there must be something else out there in the world, to be honest, apart from always thinking about, yes, properly skilled, good looking, fantastically nice players.
“But I really don't think about it. At the moment I am full of energy but we have - I have to - make sure that is the case, because I don't want to sit around and be more tired than not and think 'wow, why is everyone bothered about the things out there because I couldn't care less?'”
Klopp certainly is bothered at the moment, as Liverpool get the chance this weekend to put real pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table.
Victory over West Ham on Saturday evening would see Klopp’s side close the gap at the top to three points… with City facing the prospect of a tough Manchester derby on Sunday.
The Reds are also progressing in the Champions League and FA Cup after winning the EFL Cup, and he indicated with his job proving so successful and enjoyable, he has the luxury of waiting until the last minute before making his decision.
“My future will be OK. I don't have to plan. I could book last minute - let's put it like this. It is not a problem.”
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Liverpool are happy to wait too, with the manager making them one of the most feared teams in the world. And Klopp added that the quality of his squad or their desire, is not an issue in any way.
“If I decide to leave in 2024, it is nothing to do with the quality of the squad: 'My God, I have to manage them' or 'Oh my God, I'd better stop managing them'. It's nothing to do with that.
“This club must be even better especially when I am not here any more and that's the plan, that's what we are working on. It's not so important how long I will stay, it is much more important what we do until then.”
Klopp is still without Roberto Firmino and Thiago this weekend, but Curtis Jones may be available after midweek injury, and Naby Keita returns to the squad.