Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, has urged for a composed response to speculations surrounding the future of some of the club’s star players, following his announcement to leave Anfield at the end of the season.
The clock is ticking with 18 months left on the contracts of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, triggering uncertainties about their tenure at Liverpool. Captain Van Dijk’s inquisitiveness regarding the club’s future post-Klopp has sounded warning bells.
“It’s completely normal,” said Klopp at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea.
‘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 percent 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.’
On Friday, Klopp revealed that he had informed the club of his departure plans two months prior. He justified not extending players’ contracts before the public announcement, citing it as a move to maintain trust and transparency.
Read also: Klopp Unfazed By Salah’s Potential Move To Al-Ittihad
‘You cannot work like that, especially not with the relationship we have. There is enough time to do everything,’ he added.
‘These players love to be here, I know that for a fact, don’t forget that. It is not that they have one foot out. They want to know a little bit of perspective but that will happen, especially behind the scenes.’
With a five-point lead in the Premier League and still in the race for trophies in the League Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League, Liverpool has the opportunity to give Klopp an unforgettable farewell.
Klopp maintained that there is no urgency to hasten Salah’s return from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
‘There was no pressure on him other than wanting to get fit as quickly as possible anyway. But we don’t rush,’ said Klopp.
‘You do what you can do and, whilst that happens, we have to wait. Mo’s not ready for this game or the next. He’s injured and a muscle injury takes time.’