Jurgen Klopp says next year would have been 'tricky' if he stayed on as Liverpool boss

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has opened up about his decision to step down from his role this summer after question marks started to emerge over the timing of his decision.

Despite a strong showing immediately following the announcement of his departure, including Liverpool securing victory in the Carabao Cup final, the past six weeks have seen Liverpool's once-promising campaign falter.

The team has bowed out of both the FA Cup and the Europa League, and are now likely to only finish third in the Premier League after their title push disintegrated.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the German admitted: "The football hasn't been great the last few weeks, and as a result you start hearing people say that I look really tired. I'm just old."

Declining energy levels

Klopp, whose departure announcement sent shockwaves through the football world earlier this year, revealed that his declining energy levels and the prospect of facing another gruelling season were key factors in his choice to leave Anfield.

Acknowledging the toll that the relentless nature of football management had taken on him, Klopp emphasised the need for unwavering commitment and energy to carry out the role.

He said: "Yes, there are more important things in life, but if you really care then it's 24/7.

"I did it for a pretty long time and I knew I couldn't continue to do it at the standard necessary for a club like Liverpool."

Next year would have been a struggle for the Reds

While not directly blaming himself for the side's downturn in fortunes in the run-in, the 56-year-old said he felt certain that next year would have been a difficult one for the club had he remained at the helm.

"I was sure that if I didn't make that decision now, next year it could have been tricky," Klopp said.

"For that, you really need to be full of energy. 80 per cent is not enough. That's the truth. It's too much. It's a 24/7 job."

Klopp will watch games at Anfield

As Klopp prepares to bid farewell to Liverpool after nearly nine years of remarkable service, the club looks set to appoint Feyenoord boss Arne Slot as his successor.

Despite his impending departure, Klopp expressed his desire to remain connected to the club he loves, hinting at future visits to Anfield as a spectator.

"It will be super tough not to be part of it anymore in the way I'm part of it now – because I will stay part of it, I will," Klopp said.

"I will come and watch games, and if whoever is the next manager doesn't like having me in the stands, this time, I couldn't be bothered."

Klopp's departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool, but his legacy and passion for the club are sure to endure as he embarks on the next chapter of his illustrious career.