Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, secured a two-year extension to continue at Anfield until 2026 this week; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Naby Keita all have contracts that expire next summer.
Jurgen Klopp feels his new Liverpool contract will not be a “deciding” element in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane’s long-term commitments to the club.
Contracts for the pair, as well as striker Roberto Firmino and midfielder Naby Keita, expire next summer, and negotiations have dragged on for a long period.
Klopp signed a fresh two-year extension to his Anfield contract on Thursday, which was set to expire in 2024. Will his Liverpool players be persuaded to sign as well now that the German is staying until 2026?
“That is more of a matter for the boys to answer, as to what it means to them, but everything is wonderful; my relationship with them is fantastic,” he remarked.
“My argument is that there are more essential things to consider in life than who is the manager. Knowing who the manager and coaching staff are is vital since you don’t know exactly what you have with other clubs where you may go.
“There are no guarantees in this business, but I believe I will be able to stay for a little longer because other coaches are available at other clubs.
“If it’s a good indicator for the lads, that’s terrific, but I don’t think it’ll be the deciding factor in whatever decision they make.”
It is their own life, but we just wanted to make sure that anyone interested in coming understands what to anticipate.”
Salah’s contract talks have been dragging on for months, with the Egypt international emphasizing this week that money isn’t everything when it comes to extending his stay on Merseyside.
When asked if players had ever spoken to him about his future plans before committing theirs, Klopp replied, “That happened as well.” Because of incidents like this, I don’t pass judgment on loyalty.
“Yes, if I commit, I commit, but I also understand that a player’s career is 15 years, and I have fantastic relationships today with previous players who wanted to go at specific times when I felt, ‘that’s a shame you’re leaving now.’
If a player informs you that he wants to go early enough, you must deal with the situation: is he wanted by a club, and is there a transfer fee?
“If a player arrives at the last minute and says on Sunday, when the transfer window closes on Monday, “By the way, I can’t stay here,” it’s “Sorry, my buddy, that’s not possible.”
“We are focusing on making judgments at a given point in order to plan.
“But I don’t condemn people’s loyalty if they say during a contract, “I want to go somewhere else and see how the weather is or how the grass is.”
“That isn’t the case at all. I believe you may find loyalty in other areas as well.”
Klopp has guided Liverpool to an unprecedented quadruple, but he believes that signing a contract extension marks the beginning of a new era at the club.
“We don’t plan on changing the team in the next two or three years or anything like that,” he said, “but you have to prepare the minor things so you’re ready for the future as well.”
“That’s why I believe it’s a fantastic place to be or join, if not the ideal place.”
“We can’t afford to wait ten years.” We need to get started right now. It isn’t a threat. To be honest, this is just the beginning. That is the strategy.
“Nothing is guaranteed, which is why we must enjoy the trip.” The adventure has been fantastic so far, but we have no idea if we will win anything.”
