What Jürgen Klopp’s goodbye to Liverpool can teach – 01/26/2024 – Marina Izidro

It was not a question of “if”, but of “when”. But the announcement this Friday (26) that Jürgen Klopp will step down as Liverpool coach at the end of the season was shocking, due to the timing and reason.

What can this farewell teach us?

To put it into context: there are incredible versions of Klopp who will be missed. That of the coach who became one of the greats of English football – there are seven titles with Liverpool (for now), including the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup. That of the charismatic character with funny jokes – if José Mourinho called himself “the special one”, the special one, the German said he was “the normal one”, the normal one, making people laugh. That of the inspiring boss who brings out the best in a professional. That of the citizen who does not hesitate to take a stand – even demonstrating against Brexit, the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union.

About potential lessons.

After eight and a half years in the role, he said he loves the club and the city, but is “running out of energy”. Liverpool are leaders of the Premier League, competing in four competitions, and he has a contract until 2026. Admitting tiredness and not being able to dedicate himself as he would like is commendable. The role requires total commitment.

How many times do we settle in personal or professional situations for much less money and fame? Sincerity should be a standard, not a virtue, but it attracts attention. A British journalist tweeted that, “in politics, it’s hard to find a leader who resigns when he’s doing well.” Aged 56, Klopp began his coaching career in 2001. “I don’t want to wait until I’m too old to have a normal life.” Fair. I know Germans and work with them, and one of their many qualities is honesty.

Another point is the level of respect when professionals are not treated as disposable and there is a long-term project. If he fulfilled the contract, Klopp would stay for at least 11 years. The club was notified in November of its desire, and the announcement is made in advance so that those involved can plan. In the FA Cup round, it was not a distraction before an English Championship game. Klopp mentioned that he thinks about the children who have never seen another coach other than him, and the importance of keeping everything organized.

Ultimately, it was a club marketing lesson in controlling the narrative. The announcement, along with an interview, was made by Liverpool, released through its official channels. He touched on points that would have been speculated: why leave now?

Could it be dissatisfaction with a lack of investment and because it is impossible to compete with Manchester City’s financial power? “When I signed the contract extension, I was happy, I underestimated [o cansaço].” Can you go to a rival? “I will never coach another English club.” “I will not coach club or national team for at least a year.”

It is a fact, however, that pressure is growing on Julian Nagelsmann, coach of Germany, which hosts the European Championship in July. Leading your own country’s national team is an honor for a coach and a more relaxed lifestyle than that experienced at a big club.

Klopp wants to focus on football and asked the fans not to pay tribute now. Difficult, especially in the club whose motto is “You Will Never Walk Alone” – “you will never walk alone”.

It would be the icing on the cake for the Klopp era to end with titles. If it doesn’t happen, the affection for him won’t change. The German understood and embraced the size of the responsibility of representing a city passionate about football. This is already a story with a happy ending.

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