Jurgen Klopp has handed Liverpool a huge boost after he signed a contract extension that will keep him at the helm until 2024.
The best manager in world football at the moment, had two-and-a-half years left on those terms but it has always been the intention of Fenway Sports Group to reward the outstanding work Klopp has overseen.
It was first made clear to Klopp in the build up to the club’s Champions League triumph in June that FSG would be prepared to give him whatever kind of contract he wanted but during the summer he made it clear there was no hurry to make a decision.
Klopp went on record to say that he would honor the terms and had no intention of leaving Anfield before 2022 but this extension means he will potentially spend the biggest part of his managerial career at Anfield – he previously oversaw seven-year spells at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.
Should Klopp get to 2024, he will become the longest serving Liverpool manager since Bob Paisley, who was in charge from 1974 to 1983.
It comes on the same day that Klopp was named Premier League Manager of the Month for November after leading his side to four wins in four matches.
Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Klopp said:
‘For me personally this is a statement of intent, one which is built on my knowledge of what we as a partnership have achieved so far and what is still there for us to achieve.
‘When I see the development of the club and the collaborative work that continues to take place, I feel my contribution can only grow.
‘People see what happens on the pitch as a measure of our progress and although it is the best measure, it’s not the only measure. I have seen the commitment from ownership through to every aspect and function of the club you can think of.
‘When the call came in autumn 2015, I felt we were perfect for each other; if anything, now I feel I underestimated that. It is only with a total belief that the collaboration remains totally complementary on both sides that I am able to make this commitment to 2024.
‘If I didn’t I would not be re-signing. This club is in such a good place, I couldn’t contemplate leaving.
‘I must also highlight the role of our sporting director, Michael Edwards, in this journey so far. His input and collaboration has been just as important as anyone else’s in getting us into a position to compete for the game’s top titles.
For anyone in football who aspires to compete in an environment where every element of the organisation is at its very best – from the support of the supporters to the vision of the owners – there can be no better place than this.’
Assistant managers Peter Krawietz and Pepijn Lijnders have also agreed deals to continue working alongside Klopp.
KLOPP’S RECORD AT LIVERPOOL
Matches: 234
Wins: 141
Draws: 54
Defeats: 39
Goals scored: 513
Goals conceded: 257
Points won: 477
Honours
Champions League 2018-19
UEFA Super Cup 2019
