Jurgen Klopp clarifies exit plan as Liverpool make key appointment in Arsenal title race

Jurgen Klopp won't be making a U-turn on his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the season despite Michael Edwards returning as owners Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football.

Klopp said he had talks with Edwards, who had been a successful sporting director at Liverpool before leaving in 2022 The German spoke to him following his recent confirmation for the new role.

Edwards worked for Liverpool for over a decade, starting as a performance director. The Reds' owners, FSG, have brought him back in a key position overseeing big transitions planned for this summer when Klopp will bid goodbye.

Liverpool also need a new sporting director, potentially Richard Hughes from Bournemouth. And Arsenal's title rivals will still be searching for a manager — with Klopp confirming Edwards' return does not impact his exit plan.

Responding to whether Edwards asked him to rethink his choice to leave, Klopp jested: «No, because and it's very important in his job he's not dumb.

»That was not a subject to talk about. Can you imagine if I changed my mind now? Can you? Of course not.

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«It would be like when I said I'd never (move to) another club in England and next year I signed for our neighbours or a club who needs a coach. I don't say these things without thinking about them before. It would mean I realise only now how great this club is – I have known about it all the time.

»For me it is the best club in the world and I am still leaving anyway. That's what I've been trying to explain.

«I just want this club to do as well as somehow possible, and I'm really sure