Jurgen Klopp has admitted his wife Ulla is 'happy' with his decision to quit Liverpool.
The German shocked the world on Friday when he announced he'd be leaving the club at the end of the season, having run out of energy.
Klopp has lifted Liverpool during his stint in the dugout, transforming the Premier League giants into one of the best teams in world football.
After confirming his exit, he revealed his wife Ulla was on board with the decision - because she knows he doesn't make such grand calls lightly.
Jurgen Klopp has said his wife Ulla is 'happy' with his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
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"I had to explain it to Ulla clearly," he said.
"I tried to explain it with, I’m like a proper sports car – not the best one but a pretty good one, can still drive 160, 170, 180mph but I’m the only one who sees the tank meter is going down.
"The outside world doesn’t see that, that’s good, so you go until as long as we have to go, but then you need a break. In this case, you need to go to the petrol station.
"That’s exactly what I know I have to do.
"Obviously Ulla wants me to do well and be fine, and when she realised that I’m really clear about that – and she knows I don’t take these kinds of things lightly – she is happy for me, that I’m happy with the decision. Because that’s the truth."
Ulla Sandrock, Klopp's wife, has been key to his life.
She previously prevented the 56-year-old from taking the Manchester United job due to doubts the German had.
And Ulla was key as Klopp signed his last new contract with the club back in 2022.
When it comes to replacements, reports have claimed there are five names in the frame to potentially take over from Klopp.
Xabi Alonso is the favourite, with the Spaniard currently on course to win the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso won the Champions League and FA Cup during his playing days on Merseyside, becoming a firm Liverpool hero in the process.
But the 42-year-old was tight-lipped on his future when quizzed on Friday, saying: “At the moment, I am really happy here. I enjoy my work here and feel that it’s given me a challenge.
"We are on an intense but beautiful journey here in Leverkusen and I’m trying to give my best to help my players be ready for the next thing.”
Thomas Frank is also believed to have admirers at Liverpool.
The Dane has worked wonders at Brentford over the years and there's a sense that he's ready for a big job.
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Jurgen Klopp will depart Liverpool as a legend having won every major trophy during his stint in charge
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And Roberto De Zerbi, Julian Nagelsmann and even Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou are all options for Liverpool as well.
Meanwhile, Graeme Souness has reacted to Klopp's exit and admitted he's surprised by the timing of the announcement.]
"What has surprised me most about Jurgen Klopp announcing he will leave Liverpool is the timing," he told the Daily Mail.
"Why walk away when you have rebuilt such a fabulous team, one that looks like it will compete for major honours for the foreseeable future?
"Maybe he was worried about the news leaking out, because all of his staff are going with him and a lot of people would have known.
Liverpool could turn to former midfielder Xabi Alonso in the wake of Jurgen Klopp's decision to quit the club
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"Or, having watched his interview, I think it’s more to do with taking a weight off his shoulders and wanting to get back to some sort of normality and enjoying family life once more.
"Either way, I was completely taken aback when I heard.
"Yes, he has looked tired and weary at times, but that’s the job. It does take its toll.
"But at no point have I doubted his hunger. His attitude still strikes me as one of, ‘Bring it on!’"
