Views: 0
TEAMtalk insider Ben Jacobs has given us an exclusive update on the future of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, as talk of FSG potentially calling time on his Anfield tenure continues to grow.
The Reds are having a disastrous domestic campaign, sitting 10th in the Premier League and already out of both cups. Indeed, it now appears that their whole season hinges on how far they can progress in the Champions League.
TeamtalkWith a top-four finish looking increasingly unlikely, the club’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League look like it depends solely on actually winning it this term.
The small matter of a repeat of last season’s final against Real Madrid awaits in the last 16. However, the Reds are in no real form to suggest that they are capable of getting through that tie.
Such has been Liverpool’s drop-off this season, there is growing claims that Klopp is in heightening risk of the sack.
However, Jacobs has told us that Klopp is not on the hot seat and that he has enough credit in the bank to battle through the club’s current struggles.
Jacobs said: “So I think with Klopp the investment is still there. And my understanding has always been that those connected to the ownership group, remain highly invested in him and respectful of him.
“So there won’t be a midseason sacking. And I don’t think his future will depend solely on that two-legged tie against Real Madrid either.
“It’s really more about a collaborative decision, which will take a bit longer between Klopp and the ownership group at Liverpool, as to where they want to be.
“And if Klopp ends up leaving Liverpool at any point, I think it will be completely on his own terms because of the respect that the football club has for what he’s done. But also an understanding that some of these Liverpool problems at the moment aren’t down to him.”
Klopp still has the dressing room
Jacobs also revealed that there are no issues between Kloop and his players. Indeed, they remain fully committed to the German.
“There’s not a feeling that the dressing room is broken, there’s not a feeling that Klopp is the wrong manager for the job,” Jacobs added.
“It’s more down to circumstance. Liverpool have had injuries, they haven’t been able to necessarily get all of their targets, there is also uncertainty over FSG and their future at the football club. They’re 100% committed, but if they bring on a new partner, how much input does that partner have? And what will be their day-to-day nature?
“Is it more of a strategic investment or a hands-on investment and to what stake, which is important as well. Because the bigger the stake, arguably the more influence you’re entitled to. Including some say over the football direction of the club.
“So Klopp is fine for now. He’s frustrated clearly. And there’s a shifting tide within the Premier League this season with Newcastle’s ambition and ownership group paying off. And they’ve spent relatively big and Chelsea’s spending potentially paying off in the second half of the season as well.
“So Liverpool are falling down the pecking order within the big six or big seven. And also the table as well.
“But the club can rectify that, and a bit of spending can rectify that. And a new investor can rectify that. But these things all take time.
“So the big question, I think, will more likely come at the end of the season, and on Klopp’s terms, whether or not he is invested in the new project.”
The Reds are back in action on Monday evening when they take on Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Source:Team Talk