Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has joked that he is the “last man standing” after seeing rival managers Graham Potter and Brendan Rodgers sacked. Despite pressure mounting on Klopp, he has remained in his post at Anfield, with Liverpool currently languishing in 8th place in the Premier League. The Reds have also been knocked out of all domestic and European tournaments. However, Klopp has suggested that his job is safe for now due to an understanding with the club’s owners for his past achievements.
Potter was the 12th manager to be sacked this season, following his exit from Chelsea after just seven months in charge and £330 million spent in the January transfer window. Ex-Brighton boss Potter has been unable to turn Chelsea’s fortunes around, with the Blues sliding to 11th in the top-flight after their 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday. Bruno Saltor will take charge of the West Londoners until a permanent successor for Potter is appointed.
Klopp admitted that it had been a “strange week” as Tottenham’s Antonio Conte and Bayern Munich’s Julian Nagelsmann were also sacked. He said, “What can I say? The elephant in the room is probably why I am still sitting here, in this crazy world! Last man standing! I respect them a lot, I like them both. Fantastic managers still, but things can go the wrong way. We all accept that in the football business.”
Klopp, however, has suggested that his job is safe for now as he has an understanding with the club’s owners for his past achievements. He added, “We have smart owners, they know about the situation. There is no need [for me] to be afraid, I am here to deliver, I’m not here as a talisman or for murals on house walls. I know I’m still here because of what happened in the last few years. I don’t like the fact that I pretty much have to rely on that. Is it right or not? We’ll see in the future.”
Despite Liverpool’s struggles this season, Klopp’s past achievements have earned him some leeway with the club’s owners. He led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years in the 2019-20 season and also won the Champions League in 2019.
The Premier League has seen more managers sacked this season than ever before, with 12 different managers losing their jobs during the current campaign. This includes high-profile names such as Conte and Nagelsmann, who were both sacked last week.
In conclusion, Klopp’s position at Liverpool may be under pressure, but he remains confident that his past achievements will keep him in his job for now. The Premier League has seen a record number of managers sacked this season, highlighting the intense pressure that managers are under to deliver results.