'I couldn't continue' - Jürgen Klopp opens up on reason for Liverpool exit decision

Opening up on his decision to part ways with Liverpool at the end of the season, Jürgen Klopp admits that he believed the struggles of recent weeks would have mirrored into the next term if he had stayed on.

It's been a challenging period since mid-March for the Reds; from being in contention on four fronts, they're now out of the FA Cup and Europa League and are expected to land third in the Premier League.

While some may point fingers at Klopp's exit announcement as the cause behind this dip in form, it's worth noting that Liverpool won 10 out of their immediate 12 fixtures post the shocking news, drawing the remaining two.

READ MORE: 'I'm part of it now' - Jürgen Klopp vows to make Liverpool return amid message to Arne Slot

READ MORE: Club chief already dropped Alberto Moleiro transfer hint as Liverpool could get bargain deal

However, Klopp is adamant that continuing his tenure would have led to further difficulties next year, attributing this to his dwindling energy levels.

"The football hasn't been great the last few weeks, and as a result you start hearing people say that I look really tired. I'm just old," Klopp candidly told Sky Sports prior to their face-off against Tottenham on Sunday.

"I'm about being in it 100 per cent until the last day. That was always the plan. I was sure that if I didn't make that decision now, next year it could have been tricky. The thought of picking yourself up for another pre-season, make big decisions.

"For that, you really need to be full of energy. 80 per cent is not enough. That's the truth. It's too much. It's a 24/7 job. Yes, there are more important things in life, but if you really care then it's 24/7.

"I did it for a pretty long time and I knew I couldn't continue to do it at the standard necessary for a club like Liverpool."

In the coming weeks, Anfield looks set to welcome Feyenoord manager Arne Slot as Klopp's successor. Meanwhile, Klopp eagerly anticipates returning to Anfield as a spectator.

"It will be super tough not to be part of it anymore in the way I'm part of it now because I will stay part of it, I will," he expressed.

"I will come and watch games, and if whoever is the next manager doesn't like having me in the stands, this time, I couldn't be bothered."

Liverpool.com says: The people who have put Liverpool's recent slump in form down to Klopp's announcement back in January really have been clutching at straws. Immediately after he confirmed his decision to leave, the Reds probably looked the best they have all season, and it was from there that a title challenge, and potentially a quadruple, looked a distinct possibility.

Klopp made it clear then that he was running out of energy, and there were perhaps signs of that last season as well. For him to leave the Reds in a much stronger position after last year's disappointment is a testament to his character, and he will of course be much missed at Anfield.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.