“Did I get sacked or did I leave by myself?”
Jurgen Klopp has dismissed social media rumours that he needs a break from football, insisting he is “full of energy” despite a challenging period professionally and personally.
The Liverpool manager conceded the defence of his side’s Premier League title was over after their defeat to Leicester on Saturday, a result which came days after it was reported that he was unable to travel home to Germany for the funeral of his mother, who died last month.
Speculation on social media had suggested Klopp was giving serious consideration to having time away from coaching as a result of a difficult period. However, speaking ahead of his side’s return to Champions League action against RB Leipzig, Klopp strongly denied the suggestions.
“Did I get sacked or did I leave by myself,” he joked, before asking for clarity about the rumours.
When informed by one of the reporters at his press conference, he said: “I don’t need a break… Look, the last thing I want to do is talk about private things in a press conference, but everybody knows that, yes, privately, we had a tough time.
“But that was three or four weeks ago… and we always deal with it as a family, 100 per cent.
“I’m 53. I’ve worked in football since 30 as a coach. I can split things, I can switch off. I don’t carry things around, if I’m private, I’m private.
“Of course we’re influenced by things that happen around us but nobody has to worry about me.
“I might not look like this because the weather is not good and I’m white and my beard gets more and more grey. I don’t sleep a lot, that’s all true, but I’m full of energy.
“Honestly, the situation is a challenge. I don’t want to be in the situation we’re in but I see it as a challenge – an interesting challenge.”
Liverpool will drop out of the top four should Chelsea beat Newcastle at home on Monday evening. When they return from the game with Leipzig, Klopp’s side have the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists he is "full of energy" and does not need a break from football during a difficult period on and off the pitch.
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 15, 2021
