Jurgen Klopp has promised to throw a garden party for all his former Liverpool colleagues if Manchester City are stripped of their titles.
Klopp has ended a seven-month sabbatical and started his new role as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer; it was unveiled in Salzburg, in front of more than 200 media outlets from around the world, and spent 90 minutes in the futuristic Hangar 7, next to the city's airport, answering questions.
A break has done Klopp a lot of good as he looked leaner and fresher than when he left Anfield last May. The effects of eight and a half years of trying to wake a sleeping giant had taken a physical toll, but he is now focusing on a new challenge.
But since this was the first time Klopp had spoken publicly since leaving Liverpool, there was an opportunity to discuss matters in England and it was put to the German that if the Premier League battle with City would go in a certain direction , his trophy crop may look different.
Liverpool were champions five years ago but also finished second twice, when they collected 97 points in 2018/19 and 93 points in 2021/22. If City are deprived of these victories when the findings of their 115 charges are revealed, Klopp knows exactly what he will do.
“We had this discussion when I left,” Klopp said. 'I haven't spent much time in Mallorca because I'm always flying around. But if it happened, I said to all the people who wanted (to come): “Just book a flight to Mallorca. I'm going to buy the beer!” We would have our own parade in my garden!'
Then he paused: 'Oh God… what a head! We'll see. I haven't followed (the story of the case) at all. It could take two months (away from a finding)? Wow.'
Klopp remains in contact with his successor Arne Slot and several members of the squad he left behind; he looks with a sense of pride at what they have achieved, but does not regret parting with it; he made the announcement on January 26 last year.
“I'm so happy for them that they are doing so well,” Klopp said. “There's not one percent of me that thinks I should be there. I'm more than glad I'm not there. I wish them all the best and I watch as many matches as possible. They are perhaps the best balanced team in the world right now.”
Asked about the contractual situation of star trio Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Klopp joked that he would like to recruit them to the Red Bull empire one day, but that he had a serious point to make about the English right back.
“I'm so happy that I'm not in charge of that situation and that I have to answer those questions every week,” Klopp said. 'I would like all three to extend their contracts. They don't tell me what's going on. If Virgil is 41 to 44, I'm sure he would love to play for New York… I would welcome him with open arms!
“I'm not sure we can afford to have Mo!” hope he stays. He is the greatest striker LFC has had in many years. They were also other very good attackers. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. He is an excellent athlete. I hope he stays at Liverpool.
'Trent? I still can't believe you're discussing him not being able to defend himself. I watched a few press conferences. Oh my God. Yes, he didn't play well against Manchester United. Imagine making such a fuss about him when he played well and also when he didn't play well. It would be such a cool planet.”
Klopp put to bed suggestions that he would have a verbal agreement to leave Red Bull if the German national manager role became available and also responded to criticism from fans of his clubs, Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, that he was going against the way his own principles joined the club. drinks giant.
“I was thinking about this the other day in Leipzig,” Klopp said. 'Don't the people of Leipzig deserve to see good football? If you want to understand (my position), you can. I respect and accept all opinions. As far as I'm concerned, the people of Leipzig deserve to see good football.'
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