Midwinter sun beamed down on Kirkby as Liverpool’s players and staff arrived at their training base for a Friday just like any other. They had no idea that they were arriving for one of the most memorable days in the club’s 132-year history.
Everyone associated with Liverpool will always remember where they were when Jurgen Klopp’s departure was announced. Unlike most news stories in football which leak out weeks in advance from gossipy agents, this was the bombshell that shocked football.
It was the best-kept secret in sport and sent shockwaves through the game, the sort of news that had even non-football fans talking about it. Even Liverpool’s players were not made aware of the news until called to a team meeting around 10.15am on Friday.
Club staff were informed by email that morning and the announcement was made public at 10.36am via Liverpool’s social media channels. A week on, that original post on X has been viewed nearly 55million times.
There have already been two dates on Klopp’s lengthy farewell tour - the Reds could play 28 more matches this season if they get to all finals - and his departure has not yet sunk in for many fans. But for those in Liverpool’s inner sanctum, the succession plan is well under way.
All of it lies in the hands of the president of owners Fenway Sports Group, Mike Gordon, who is running the recruitment process from Boston. Gordon, a private man who has never given an interview to British media, was informed of Klopp’s departure in November.
It was not rare for Klopp to call close ally Gordon but on this occasion, he asked the Milwaukee-born investor for a few minutes longer on the line and delivered the body blow that he was to leave the club - and nothing was to change his mind
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