Jurgen Klopp: No chance of U-turn on Liverpool exit despite Edwards' return

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists the return of Michael Edwards as Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football will have no influence on his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The German, who says he no longer has the energy to lead the team, is set to depart Anfield in the summer, signalling the end of an era for the Merseyside club.

Owners FSG stepped up their succession planning this week by re-hiring former sporting director Edwards, the man who originally brought Klopp to the Premier League in 2015.

Edwards helped shape the most successful period in Liverpool's recent history, building the squad that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League the following year, signing players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson and Sadio Mane.

He left the club in 2022 but has been persuaded to return in a more senior role, with final say on all footballing matters.

Klopp, however, who was talking ahead of the Reds' Europa League last-16 second leg tie against Sparta Prague on Thursday night, revealed he had already to spoken to Edwards to reiterate his intention to leave.

“We had that conversation [about staying],” said Klopp. “Michael and I always had a really good relationship. Very good on a professional basis anyway. Really good.

“A lot of good things happened in the time when we were here together. Mike decided to do something else. Now he is back I'm really happy.

“I said a few times I want to see the club in the best possible place after I left. Everything I can do while I am here I will do. After other people will have to do it. It's a top solution. Our conversation was great.

“We spoke about a lot of things that I think about. Because I was in all the time while he was