Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that he could step down as boss if the club was to win silverware.
It’s a strange statement by the German, who has faced a lot of criticism during his time at Anfield for failing to win any trophies, but one that doesn’t come as a surprise to many.
Klopp spent seven years as manager of both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund in Germany before joining Liverpool. But as the Reds prepare to take on Arsenal, he admitted he does not believe he will be in charge of Liverpool for as long as Wenger’s tenure at Arsenal.
“Stay here 20 years? Don’t know, don’t know,” said Klopp.
“A few weeks ago I saw a statistic for the longest-serving coaches in the Bundesliga and I’m the record coach of two clubs – Mainz and Dortmund.
“It would be quite difficult to become the record coach at Liverpool. I don’t know. As long as it works really, really well.
“That means there must be space for improvement, because even if you win something, which everyone here is desperately waiting for, it could be the moment I say, ‘okay but now we have to leave it’. That is the moment nobody thinks of doing it, going out at the top.
“So far I think I have a very good feeling for these moments. In both situations, I think it was the right moment for both sides, for both parties, the clubs and me and my coaching staff. We will see. I don’t feel I am close to that moment and everything is fine.
“If anyone thinks they can make a similar career like Alex Ferguson or Arsene Wenger in clubs, I’m not sure it would be possible with the media of today.
“I think Arsene gets a lot of criticism. I’ve seen it since I’ve been in England, I’m aware of it and for sure it’s not right.
“But he’s still there and he’s doing a brilliant job again. He’s still top five, six, fighting for fourth and being involved in different cup competitions.
“He’s obviously still very ambitious and as long as you feel that, and you feel the club gets the benefit of this, you can stay.
“If you are the only part who likes it, that’s wrong. It needs to be a perfect fit.
“We feel that here, at this moment and I’m sure for the next few years, but you cannot force anything to happen.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]