'We're not young rabbits any more' - Klopp on Liverpool departure

Summary

Jurgen Klopp to leave Liverpool at end of season
Liverpool news conference
Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso linked as potential replacement
Klopp has done amazing job - Ten Hag
Transfers latest as Kalvin Phillips seals West Ham loan
Joelinton may have played final Newcastle game - Howe
FA Cup news conferences and build-up to fourth-round matches
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Live Reporting

Steve Sutcliffe, Bobbie Jackson & Tasnim Chowdhury

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Get Involvedpublished at 13:52 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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Absolutely gutted that Jurgen's leaving. We've had some legendary managers over the years and he's absolutely up there with the best of them. Not just a great manager, he's a great human being and the love and respect he has from so many is testament to that. Thanks for everything, Jurgen. YNWA.
Dean
It’s one of those days that you knew would come but can never be prepared for. Gutted beyond belief. But thankful beyond words. An incredible manager, man, and footballing personality that has shaped the modern day league. Danke Jurgen.
Oliver
Man Utd's 'last opportunity' for silverwarepublished at 13:48 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Newport v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Manchester United
With Manchester United already out of the Champions League, EFL Cup and 16 points adrift of Premier League leaders Liverpool, the FA Cup represents their last realistic hope of silverware this term.
"It's the truth, but the league, [it is about] qualification for the Champions League," says manager Erik ten Hag.
"The FA Cup is as you say probably a fact, that is a last opportunity on the trophy and we go for it."
Fulham will do their 'maximum' to be readypublished at 13:46 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Fulham v Newcastle (Sat, 19:00 GMT)
Fulham
Fulham boss Marco Silva has been speaking to the media before his side face Newcastle in the FA Cup fourth round.
On preparing for the match: "We are going to be ready for the game. We will go to play the game and give our maximum and being at the Cottage is important. We will do our maximum to be ready."
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:46 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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All the talk of Alonso, I think he's too inexperienced and there's a danger of repeating the Gerrard at Rangers situation. I'd go for Unai Emery - a good manager, respected, a winner.
David, Sussex.
Postpublished at 13:44 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Newport v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Manchester United
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is asked about possible incomings at Old Trafford before the transfer window closes next Thursday.
"I looked but there is no space. No space on Financial Fair Play to do something about this lack of quantity in the striker position.
"Of course, Marcus Rashford can play as a striker, we have some other alternatives and it's clear Anthony Martial is out for a couple of months. It's a gap in our squad, that is clear."
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:41 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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On the Klopp situation the timing is a little strange. I can only presume someone has leaked it to a paper, so he and the club have taken control of the story. Thats a good thing. But it also now opens the door to an open recruitment process. Who wants the job? Who’s open to conversations. More difficult to have those conversations when it’s a little bit hush hush. If they get their new manager onboard well before the end of the season - contracts and agreement wise - they can start to plan for next season, leave all that till June then they will be unprepared for next season. Plus this will galvanise the players to achieve more for him and also put themselves in the frame for the new coach, it will also make Liverpool fans nuts for the rest of the season. So, although it’s really sad to see him leave, he’s stayed much longer than he’s stayed elsewhere, taking control of the story at this point could be the best strategic decision he’s ever made.
Glen, Manchester
Bayındir set to make Man Utd debut at Newportpublished at 13:40 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Newport v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Manchester United
With Andre Onana currently away with Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Turkey international Altay Bayındir, will make his debut for the club at Newport on Sunday.
"He will be in the goal. What we can expect for him, he waits for his chance but he is experienced, played in a big club in Turkey under big pressure, he knows how to deal with it, we were convinced... so we are looking forward to Sunday.
"Altay is waiting for this moment and this is his moment. You have been in Fenerbahce? Pressure. Also, Turkey, that is big pressure always, also for the national team so he knows how to deal with it."
BBC Sport has a dedicated Manchester United page packed with news, analysis and fan views - get it here
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:37 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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Respect to Klopp for his honesty and for calling time on his terms. As a City fan I think Klopp is one of the few managers capable of filling Pep's shoes when he goes. Not sure how other fans would feel about that but I have always Klopp's man management, tactical acumen and big personality. A welcome antidote to the nastiness of Mourinho.
From Simon, a lifelong Man City fan.
'He has done an amazing job in Liverpool'published at 13:34 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Newport v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Manchester United
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United's news conference begins with manager Erik ten Hag fielding a question about events from across the M62 and Jurgen Klopp's departure from Liverpool at the end of the season.
"It's no good for the Premier League," says Ten Hag.
"So 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.
"I can understand [his reasons] it is a long time. It is a period, building up, achieving, with setbacks and the Premier League is very intense, so I can understand his arguments to step down."
Anfield or Aviva?published at 13:31 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
As it stands, Liverpool's final fixture of 2023-24 is at home against Wolves in the Premier League on 19 May.
That could prove to be the perfect send off for the German with a packed Anfield and a party-like atmosphere, come what may in Liverpool's pursuit of a second Premier League title.
There is a possibility that his final fixture could even come in Dublin, Ireland, though.
Liverpool's struggles last season meant they failed to qualify for the Champions League but they did seal a spot in the Europa League.
The final of Europe's secondary competition takes place at Aviva Stadium on 22 May.
Liverpool are into the last 16 of the Europa League and will find out their opponent when the draw is made on 23 February.
Could the German sign off with further honours in Europe?
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:25 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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As a Manchester United supporter I have every reason to be delighted that Jürgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool. Surprisingly I feel sad and disappointed. Good luck for the future Jürgen.
Jeff, Cheshire.
'Always go out at the top'published at 13:22 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Richard Osman, host of 'The Rest Is Entertainment' podcast has landed with possibly the take of the day so far.
Who doesn't love a limerick to sum up Jurgen Klopp's time at Liverpool?
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Osman wrote:
"There was a fine German named Klopp,
Who was loved and adored by the Kop.
So classy and cool,
He reminded us all,
You should always go out at the top."
Alonso has 'huge admiration' for Klopppublished at 13:14 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Image source, Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who is already being linked as the next Liverpool boss, is currently speaking to the media in the build-up to Saturday's meeting with Borussia Monchengladbach.
No surprise that he has been asked about Jurgen Klopp's decision to step down and if there's any chance he could be next in line at Anfield.
Alonso said: "First of all it was a surprise.
"I have huge respect for Jurgen, huge admiration before coming to Liverpool and during his years there it has become even bigger for what he has achieved and how he achieved it.
"At the moment I am really happy here, enjoying my work here. Each day and each game is a challenge. We are enjoying an intense but beautiful journey.
"I am not in a moment to think about the next thing. I'm just thinking about what is now. I'm in a great place and I'm enjoying it."
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:12 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Genuinely checked to see if it was April fools day. Gutted, what a manager and what a guy
Callum
What an extraordinary ride we've had with Klopp. My favourite manager since I became a fan in the early 80s. I just pray that we get Alonso in, and he keeps Liverpool competitive.
Will G
Ten Hag timepublished at 13:07 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Newport v Man Utd (Sun, 16:30 GMT)
Simon Stone
BBC Sport
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is due to speak to the media shortly.
It is probably going to be a very rare occasion when the initial topic of conversation will centre around Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp.
There are some injury issues to update on for Ten Hag, with Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez all featuring in a closed doors game against Burnley in midweek.
And Ten Hag must also decide who will play in goal instead of Andre Onana, with Altay Bayindir potentially in line for his debut.
Image source, BBC Sport
Image caption,
Man Utd
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Get Involvedpublished at 13:04 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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Liverpool fans have ample reason to remain optimistic, precisely because of the good work Klopp has done building the foundations for success. The quality of the squad and structure of the club gives the new manager as much of an opportunity to succeed over the years to come as at any club in the world. Fingers crossed that Xabi is that manager!
Nick, Liverpool fan
Gutted,shocked and sad. You can only be these three things because of the success we have had. So I am grateful in the time he has given us and the enjoyment he has given us all through being manager of Liverpool football club.
Andy, Liverpool fan
'He's just a wonderful human being'published at 13:01 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
BBC Radio 5 Live
Image source, Getty Images
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland has been on BBC Radio 5 Live to speak about Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season: "I'm actually at Anfield with the LFC Foundation today, we got the news, obviously. Going back a couple of years, I'm sure I'm right in saying he said 2024 would be his last year at Liverpool, I'm not sure if I'm right in saying that. First and foremost, what he has done for the football club, the trophies he's done since he's been here, he's transformed the football side of things.
"But as a human being as well, the things people might not see, what he does and being around the club and working for the foundation, he's an unbelievable person. He treats everybody the same, doesn't matter whether you're Mo Salah or somebody taking the rubbish out at Anfield or the training ground. He treats everybody the same, he gives you that hug, the smile, he just makes you feel good when you're around him. Just gives you a sense of ease when you're around him. He's just a wonderful human being. He's certainly going to be missed. I'm sure it's the right decision for him.
"Yes he's going to be a huge miss, we thank him and he's still got a lot to play for this season and we hope he can go out and do what he deserves and win more titles and win more cups before he does step down."
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Get Involvedpublished at 12:57 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
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Just heard the news about Jurgen Klopp, literally has taken the wind out of my sails today - and on my 50th Birthday as well. Best manager we’ve had in a very long time so this really hurts. Good luck though Jurgen, you’ll always he an LFC legend.
Mike, Norfolk
Klopp documentarypublished at 12:52 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
BBC World Service
While we get more reaction to Jurgen Klopp's news, have a listen to a documentary presented by John Bennett.
Jurgen Klopp: the Black Forest boy who brought the glory back to Anfield explores his roots in the Black Forest, to leaving Dortmund and his success at Liverpool.
Click here to listen to the full documentary
Blades sign Grbic from Atletico Madridpublished at 12:47 Greenwich Mean Time 26 January
Sheffield United
Sheffield United have signed Atletico Madrid and Croatia goalkeeper Ivo Grbic for an undisclosed fee.
The 28-year-old arrives at Bramall Lane on a deal that runs until 2027 and could make his debut when the Blades host Brighton in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday.
"It is a big thing for every player to move to the Premier League and I am delighted to join Sheffield United," he said.
"I've played in some good leagues in France and Spain, and played in the Champions League with Lille and played 15 or 16 games for Atletico last season which is a big club. I know I am ready now for this challenge."
Grbic joined Atletico in 2020, but struggled to displace Jan Oblak as the club's first choice goalkeeper and only made 12 La Liga appearances for the Spanish club.