Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool boss rocked the world of football. The resurgent Reds were top of the Premier League and still in three cup competitions when the Kop idol announced on January 26, 2004 that he would leave Anfield at the end of the season.
“I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people at this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it,” Klopp told the club’s official website.
“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. 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.”
The supporters were stunned. There had been some signs of fatigue and frustration the year before but nobody had seen Klopp’s imminent exit coming – not even Klopp’s assistant Peter Krawietz…