It was always going to be a long shot. So long in fact that it wasn’t really worth Michael Edwards asking the question.
With the former Liverpool sporting director returning to work with FSG this week, it was suggested in some quarters that his first task in heading up the company’s football operations should be to convince Jürgen Klopp to stay. That is, after all, what every Liverpool fan wants.
But Klopp is not a man to back down on his principles. Although he has spoken to Edwards since his return was confirmed, the question of a U-turn from the German was not on the table.
Asked whether Edwards had tried to convince him to stay, Klopp said: “No because, and it’s very important in the job, he’s not dumb. That was not a subject to talk about to be honest. Can you imagine I changed my mind now? Of course not.”
It’s perfectly understandable why some might have held out hope that Klopp might change his mind. After all, if Edwards can be convinced to make a return after turning it down once, why not try to coax a U-turn out of Klopp?
It’s Edwards’ appointment though that points to why that was always a futile task. It is, after all, telling that he was the first man FSG turned to after learning of Klopp’s decision to leave.
Although the pair’s time together at Anfield brought about huge success, not least in a first league title for 30 years, it does seem Edwards wasn’t a fan of Klopp’s growing influence at the club. The Telegraph cites ‘robust discussions’ over contract renewals for older players, and it can’t be any coincidence that Edwards has now been given complete control over football operations at the club.
In any case, Klopp’s decision to leave always looked final. Sir Alex Ferguson may have changed his mind at Manchester United, but you don’t just make that sort of call in the midst of a title challenge without being certain.
The conversation then can swiftly move on to Klopp’s successor, with the outstanding candidate clear. Xabi Alonso continues to work wonders at Bayer Leverkusen, with his side looking set to end Bayern Munich’s domination in the Bundesliga.
There is an argument that Alonso might not be the best fit when it comes to replacing Klopp, with other candidates perhaps better suited to the German’s style. Edwards’ return though shows Liverpool and FSG are not afraid to hit the reset button, and a change in approach shouldn’t put them off going after who is without doubt the most sought-after manager in world football right now.
Klopp has made his stance clear, and while he still has a few months left at the club, Liverpool has already begun the process of preparing for life without him. The German’s impact will certainly not be forgotten, but with Edwards now in place., a new era will soon begin at Anfield.
