Martin King breaks the news that Liverpool’s charismatic manager, Jürgen Klopp and his assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz are to be offered new contracts.
Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group are in talks with manager Jürgen Klopp over a new contract to extend his stay at the club, report the Liverpool Echo.
The German boss has only been in charge of the Reds for nine months, however, such is the great impact he’s had on the side that the owners are keen to get him tied down for the long-term. Klopp’s initial deal runs until 2018 with the option of a further twelve months. The Echo also report that his assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz will be rewarded with new deals which are expected to be signed over the coming weeks.
Despite already missing out on two pieces of silverware in his Reds career, Klopp’s nine months at the club has, in more ways than one, been a success. One of Klopp’s very first aims as Liverpool manager was to turn doubters into believers. Not to assume that FSG were ever doubters, yet, it’s clear that he’s succeeded in making them believers – just as he has with the fans.
Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ style of football has proved effective on a number of occasions and several players have improved significantly under his tutelage, one of those being Daniel Sturridge. Whilst other players were facing challenges on the pitch, the striker’s main challenge was off it. Sturridge was constantly suffering injuries and experienced length spells on the sidelines, however, Klopp displayed good management in not only helping Sturridge recover from his injuries physically but mentally as well.
The 49-year-old has also bought in to the owners’ philosophy by developing the club’s youngsters on the training field and showing his faith in a few of them by giving them their debuts.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
Offering Klopp a new deal – especially after such a short time – proves the American franchise understand that leading Liverpool to success may take some time and that they’ve got faith in the former Borussia Dortmund boss to do just that.
Reds fans will need no convincing that this is the right decision and will be very confident of enjoying a prosperous first full campaign under the German boss.