Liverpool players were left as stunned as fans on Friday as they reportedly only learnt of Jurgen Klopp's departure shortly before it was announced.
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Klopp to leave at end of seasonSquad learns of news shortly before announcement Decision made in November but players kept in dark(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
While the German explained that he had communicated his decision to the Liverpool board last November, players were unaware of the decision until just before the bombshell announcement on Friday morning.
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The Chris Bascombe reports that: "Although Klopp told the Liverpool hierarchy of his intention in November, the players were only informed this morning. Naturally, they are as shocked as the supporters and the rest of the football world."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
While its understandable that Klopp and the club would keep the news under wraps from the autumn, particularly as the team hit a strong run of form, it comes as something of a surprise that players received the news at the same time as the general public. One of the challenges facing Klopp between now and the end of the season will be to settle his squad and use the end of his time at Anfield as a positive motivational factor, with Liverpool very much a candidate for trophies in every competition.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL AND KLOPP?
We'll get a first glimpse at how the squad reacts to the stunning news when Liverpool take on Norwich City at Anfield on Sunday, in a game that has now suddenly taken on a huge emotional significance.