Andy Robertson reveals squad reaction to Klopp news & names ideal send-off gift

Andy Robertson has revealed the shock among the Liverpool squad when Jurgen Klopp first told them of his plans to leave the club at the end of the season.

Last Friday, the manager announced his plans to step down from his position of over eight years at the end of the current season.

While Klopp had informed the club of his decision back in November, the decision was kept quiet for a couple of months, with the first-team only learning the news from the manager himself in a team meeting the morning shortly before it was communicated to the wider public.

Robertson, who joined Liverpool in 2017 and is one of the longer-serving players of Klopp's Anfield tenure, paid tribute to the boss ahead of the FA Cup win over Norwich on Sunday.

He told ITV of the shock of the news, but insisted the players will keep fighting on to give their leader a perfect goodbye.

“I think like the rest of the world, it was a bit of a shock,” Robertson said of the announcement. “You know, when he told us all I think nobody really knew where to look or what to do.

“But you have to respect his decision, he’s obviously thought long and hard about it. He’s not a rash person. He’s obviously thought a lot about it in terms of his family and everything.

“For what he’s done for this club, we will all be forever grateful.

“He doesn’t want the fans singing his song, but I think he’s going to lose that battle, unfortunately! The fans want to say a proper goodbye to him.

“For us players, the one thing he asked of us was that it’s business as usual. We have to keep fighting on all fronts, keep winning games and, hopefully, that results in giving him a send off he truly deserves.”

Speaking in a special press conference arranged last Friday, Klopp spoke of his conversation with his players after informing them of his exit.

He said: "The players I spoke to altogether and a few others after that. We have a really strong bond, but they haven't asked questions yet. We have a really strong bond. We are professionals...

"The agreement with the players is for one year [this season]. We are completely in that year, and the boys are in a really good mood.'

"It wasn't like the players were having a party when I told them, but they were out training as normal. It's different from when a manager is sacked, who just goes in and says goodbye."

After beating Norwich 5-2 on Sunday – during which Robertson made his long-awaited return from injury – Liverpool are still on for a historic quadruple.

Ahead of Wednesday's clash with Chelsea, the Reds sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have the Carabao Cup final (also against Chelsea) to look forward to next month.

Klopp's side will also play in the FA Cup fifth round and have booked their spot in the Europa League last 16.

When asked about his favourite memories from his time at Liverpool, Klopp responded: "In my ideal world, the best memories are still to come."