Werner: Klopp can stay at Liverpool as long as he likes

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner says Jurgen Klopp is welcome to stay at Liverpool “as long as he likes” ahead of the Champions League final tomorrow night.

The German manager has guided the Reds to the European final for the second season in a row and pushed Manchester City all the way to the final day in the Premier League title race.

And in an interview with the Echo, Werner threw his long-term backing behind the manager.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Thursday, October 22, 2015: Liverpool’s co-owner and NESV Chairman Tom Werner and Liverpool Director Michael Gordon before the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against Rubin Kazan at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“We saw the players after the final last year and you could see how much that defeat hurt,” Werner said.

“I thought we played as well as Real Madrid until the unfortunate injury to Mohamed Salah. When you leave Kiev after a night like that, you wonder when will you return to another final?

“It’s such a challenge to get that far. We certainly never expected that we would come back to the final again in the very next season.

“I don’t think LFC have done that since the mid-1980s. To be back so quickly is wonderful but we haven’t accomplished the goal we set out to achieve yet and that’s to win.

“You don’t get a lot of roses for coming in second. Our focus is on bringing that trophy back to Liverpool this year.”

On FSG’s investment at Liverpool, he continued: “It’s been a period of constant progress and it’s been a real pleasure to watch the continual improvement of the team.

“It’s been a wonderful time for the club. I remember when we locked in our position as one of the top four teams qualifying for the Champions League for next season, some people almost took it for granted because our goal really all year was to actually win the league.

“We are extremely proud of what the whole team at LFC have accomplished.

“Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that when there is an atmosphere where people are empowered to work together as a team, great things can happen.

“Obviously, it starts with Jurgen and his outstanding leadership. That’s critical to everything that we’ve achieved this year.

“Jurgen also is surrounded by a number of extremely talented people in the football organisation such as Michael Edwards (sporting director), Barry Hunter (chief scout), Dave Fallows (head of recruitment) and Pep Lijnders (assistant manager) and many others.”

Finally, on the prospect of a new deal for Klopp, Werner added: “We don’t really want to discuss his situation publicly, especially so close to the final.

“But I think you know that we think the world of him. We have already extended his contract once.

“All I can say is that it’s obviously important that he stays for as long as he likes. We believe that he’s committed to Liverpool.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com