Jurgen Klopp to stand down as Liverpool boss, saying 'I'm running out of energy'

Jurgen Klopp has shocked the world of football by announcing he will stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season after admitting he is "running out of energy".

The 56-year-old German, who has led the Reds to six major trophies since taking charge in October 2015, said he informed the club's bosses of his decision to leave back in November.

Klopp admitted he expected those outside the club to "laugh about" his exit and use it as an excuse to "disturb" Liverpool, but called on everyone connected to the Reds to rally around for a glorious finale.

His departure has immediately led to speculation over who will succeed him in the Anfield hotseat.

Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso, who is one of the hottest coaching properties in the world after leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, is the early bookmakers’ favourite while former captain Steven Gerrard is also sure to be in contention.

"I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff," Klopp told his club’s official website.

"I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

"It is that I am – how can I say it? – running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again."

Klopp joined Liverpool as the successor to Brendan Rodgers, and arrived with a strong CV having taken Borussia Dortmund to successive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, and to the 2013 Champions League final.

His greatest achievements to date with the