Did Michael Edwards ask Klopp to stay at Liverpool? Klopp: No, he's not dumb

Jurgen Klopp has refuted claims that incoming Liverpool chief Michael Edwards asked him to stay on as boss – “he’s not dumb,” Klopp said.

Fenway Sports Group have announced the return of Edwards as their new chief executive of football.

Edwards oversaw the most successful period in Liverpool's recent history, working with Klopp to assemble the squad that won the Premier League and Champions League.

The sporting director then left Liverpool in 2022 but despite rejecting the chance to return to Liverpool earlier this year, a deal has now been agreed to bring Edwards back.

Reports had emerged that one of his first conversations after re-joining the club with Klopp included trying to convince him to stay on as Liverpool boss - something Klopp shot down.

When asked if that story was true, Klopp said: "No, because he's not dumb. It was not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine if I changed my mind now? I don't say these things without thinking.

"We always had a really good relationship, it was very good on professional basis anyway. Lots of good things happened when we were together and then he decided to do something else. Now he's back, I'm really happy. I want to see the club in the best possible place after I leave. It's a top solution."

Liverpool head into Thursday's Europa League second leg at Anfield against Sparta Prague in a strong position of holding a 5-1 lead from last week.

With Manchester United on the horizon in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, Klopp will have the opportunity to shuffle his pack. It looks the perfect spot for Mohamed Salah to make his first start since returning from a hamstring injury suffered in January.

"We want to play the best possible football game. That's always how we decide the line-up. I