Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp is energized by the prospect of leading a “fresh” club to further glory after extending his stay at Anfield until 2026.
Negotiations over a two-year contract extension took very little time and he is now looking forward to building on the incredible foundations he has created since arriving in October 2015.
The speed and timing of the agreement —- plus extensions for his key assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz —- came as something of a surprise.
It has come at a time when the club is embroiled in the quest for an unprecedented quadruple.
Mike Gordon, president of owners Fenway Sports Group, flying in from the U.S. for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg victory over Villarreal was the first sign something significant was happening.
Also, there was the appearance of Klopp’s agent Marc Kosicke in the directors’ box for the game.
Less than 24 hours later, the deal was done.
“There are so many words I could use to describe how I am feeling about this news … delighted, humbled, blessed, privileged and excited would be a start,” Klopp said.
“Like any healthy relationship, it always has to be a two-way street. You have to be right for each other.
“The feeling we were absolutely right for each other is what brought me here in the first place and it’s why I’ve extended previously.
“This one is different because of the length of time we have been together. I had to ask myself the question: Is it right for Liverpool that I stay longer?
“Along with my two assistant managers, Pep Lijnders and Pete Krawietz, we came to the conclusion it was a ‘Yes!’
“There is a freshness about us as a club still and this energised me.”
Last season, played behind closed doors when injuries to key players meant Liverpool’s defence of their first domestic title in 30 years never really got off the ground, took its toll on Klopp.