Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan has suggested that Jurgen Klopp has already achieved all he wanted to at Anfield as the Reds' indifferent season continues.
The German has arguably been one of the most successful managers in the history of the club having ended their lengthy wait for a top-flight title, whilst having also claimed the club’s sixth European crown, the FA Cup, League Cup and several other major honours.
Liverpool have not quite managed to reach the heights of previous campaigns and languish in ninth place in the current Premier League standings with just two wins from their opening seven matches. That has seen the pressure crank up at Anfield with Champions League qualification under question at this early stage.
Despite that, Hogan has called for calm over Klopp’s position by stating that the German has long reached the original target he set for himself at the club. As quoted by German outlet Sport Bild, he said: “That [Champions League qualification] is always our goal at the beginning of the season.
“Of course, qualification is important because of the turnover. But we manage the club in such a way that we make sure that we are as sustainable as possible. You can’t automatically count on Champions League qualification.
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“Jürgen would like to leave the club in better shape than he found it. He succeeded in Mainz, Dortmund and also in Liverpool. Since he's been there, sales have doubled.
“The stadium will be significantly larger. We have a new training ground. The club has grown significantly over the past six or seven years. We want to continue that because we think there is still a lot of potential.”
Of course, there appears little chance Klopp will leave Anfield anytime soon. The former Borussia Dortmund manager only penned a new four-year deal earlier this year until 2026.
When the time comes for the 55-year-old to wave farewell to the Reds, Hogan has backed Klopp to forge a successful career as a club executive whether that be at Anfield or elsewhere.
“Jürgen would also be a phenomenal CEO,” he said. “He has this special talent to lead a team and is incredibly successful. If you look at what makes him a great leader, his skills easily translate to other roles.
“He can communicate, inspire people and overcome difficult situations. He could fill any leadership position in sport and business.”
Klopp will be aiming to get the Reds back on track in the Premier League this weekend following their 3-3 draw with Brighton last time out. Liverpool travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on table-topping Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
