Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool is bad for the Premier League, believes Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.
Klopp has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, explaining on Friday that he is “running out of energy” and needs a break from management.
The German has already brought the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies to Anfield, and he could yet lead the Reds to four major honours in his final season at the helm.
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Liverpool’s old foes Manchester United could stand to be one of the clubs to benefit from his exit, but Red Devils boss Ten Hag says the Premier League will be poorer for his absence.
Asked about Klopp’s decision at his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s FA Cup tie against Newport County on Sunday, Ten Hag said: “It’s no good for the Premier League.
“He has made an era there, he built the club. He brought the club back where they belong, so congratulations on that. He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.
“Let’s squeeze everything out of this season and have another thing to smile about when we look back in the future.”
Jürgen’s important message to you.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2024
“I can understand, it is a long time. It is a period of building up, achieving, with setbacks and the Premier League is very intense, so I can understand his arguments to step down.”
With INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe set to assume control of United’s football operations after agreeing to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club, Ten Hag’s own position could be called into question at the end of the season.
The Red Devils have endured a torrid second campaign under the Dutchman, sitting eighth in the Premier League table and crashing out of the Champions League and EFL Cup in disappointing fashion.
Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford was capped with an EFL Cup triumph last February, and he knows the FA Cup represents their last opportunity to add to their trophy cabinet in 2023-24.
“It’s the truth, the league [is about] qualification for the Champions League,” Ten Hag said.
“The FA Cup is as you say, it’s probably a fact, that this is our last opportunity for a trophy and we will go for it.”
Good morning from Carrington 📌
Ready for the day ahead! ☀️#MUFC pic.twitter.com/z2Iv1SbiVy
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 26, 2024
