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Jürgen Klopp reveals truth about Michael Edwards relationship ahead of Liverpool exit

(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp has offered his verdict on Michael Edwards' return -Credit:(Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)


Jürgen Klopp has played down any reports of a rift with Michael Edwards as he prepares to leave Liverpool. Klopp will walk out at Anfield for the final time on Sunday before ending his nine-year tenure.

Shortly after Klopp's exit was confirmed, Liverpool's FSG owners made wholesale changes to its football structure with ex-Reds sporting director Edwards returning as CEO of Football. His successor Julian Ward will also return alongside other former Anfield figures.

It has led to many suggesting the changes have only been made because Klopp is leaving with Jamie Carragher previously claiming there was a rift between the German and Edwards, from his first spell at the club.

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But Klopp said: "It's great but did anyone make a story that they have all come back because I am leaving? It was really not because of me. It's nothing.

"You can ask Michael Edwards if he will speak in public, but our work together was really, really good. We worked well together and Richard Hughes, who I know, is a great, great guy. I liked the signings a lot.

"Who the club is bringing in, I like them all. We have a good team, a really good manager is coming in and we have all these guys too. The club is in good hands."

Arne Slot's arrival as head coach is expected to be confirmed as early as next week after the Dutchman confirmed he would be leaving Feyenoord. And Klopp believes Liverpool can embark on another successful chapter under his replacement.

He added: "People might worry about the future but I am not worried and I really want the club to do well. It is not that I am thinking: 'My God, how will that all go?' No, no. It is fine.

"But they will have to do it themselves and speak about themselves, I cannot judge the people on the way out saying 'I am not sure about that'. That would be really horrendous. I really like what they are doing. Yes there are a lot of changes, staff-wise but that is how it is. We are all fine.

"You work in football and then normally after a year or two you move on, next club. But we were privileged, we really feel that, to be able to do that for this long at this outstanding club. For such a long time, it was an honor and a privilege and now the next ones can do it."

Liverpool.com says: It is normal for two people in a workplace not to see eye-to-eye and Klopp and Edwards are undoubtedly two strong characters. Liverpool is embarking on its next chapter after Klopp's exit and FSG decided Edwards would be an ideal candidate to lead it, alongside incoming sporting director Richard Hughes. The German is right, it is an exciting time to be a red.