Twentytwo13

Reds rejoice! Klopp has not flown the coop, at least until 2026

Liverpool fans are beside themselves with joy, now that Jurgen Klopp has extended his contract for another two years.

Also happy is Klopp’s wife, Ulla Sandrock, who is enjoying life on Merseyside.

The German had previously stated that he would leave when his contract ended in 2024. That changed last night after The Athletic’s David Ornstein broke the news that Klopp had agreed to a new deal.

In a cheeky post on Liverpool’s official social media pages, Klopp said Sandrock did not want to leave in 2024.

Liverpool fans now believe that Klopp can emulate, arguably the greatest ever manager – Bob Paisley – who won six league titles, three League Cups, three European Cups, one UEFA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup and six Charity Shields in only nine seasons.

Klopp, who joined Liverpool in 2015, has already won one league crown, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, one Club World Cup and one League Cup.

Liverpool is still in the running to win the Premier League, in the final of the FA Cup, and has one foot in the Champions League finale.

Respected coach Steve Darby admitted he was surprised how quickly the news became a reality.

“He is a great manager and coach (two different roles). Most of all, he understands the city and the people of Liverpool,” said the former Perak, Kelantan, and Johor coach.

“I have not heard any fan say a word against him. He has the obvious respect of previous greats, such as (Sir Kenny) Dalglish and (Ian) Rush. A great signing for Liverpool – although the blue half of the city will not be happy!”

Port and logistics consultant Dev Prasad also expressed his delight.

“He has been nothing short of perfect. He managed expectations, gave us hope, and delivered what millions have been waiting and dreaming of, for so long,” said the avid golfer.

“Klopp’s extension is the best news. It is like the icing on the cake as we chase all the trophies at stake. Cheers to our Jurgen Klopp.”

Insurance agent Jennifer Tang said: “I am delighted Klopp is staying for an additional four years. Hopefully, he will be around even longer.”

Tang joked that the Kop’s new song for Klopp, sung to the tune of The Beatles’ ‘I Feel Fine’, convinced the German to sign a new contract.

“A line in the song goes: ‘I’m in love with him and I feel fine’. Brilliant song for a brilliant man.”

Businessman Muhd Dinesh Gopinathan Abdullah said Klopp fits Liverpool like a glove.

“It is a natural choice for him to manage the world’s best club where he is loved by the world’s best fans.”

Liverpool can return to the top of the Premier League for a short while tomorrow when it travels to Newcastle for an early kickoff (7.30pm).

Manchester City is also on the road, with a game against relegation-threatened Leeds on Sunday (12.30am). It leads the way with 80 points from 33 matches, with Liverpool a point behind from the same number of games.

THREE MORE YEARS OF EPL ON ASTRO

Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd has successfully extended exclusive Premier League broadcast rights in Malaysia until the 2024-2025 season.

Euan Smith, Astro’s Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer, TV, said the company paid “a serious, big number” to secure the rights. He also promised sports fans even more exciting times ahead.

FIXTURES (Malaysian time)
SATURDAY
Newcastle vs Liverpool (7.30pm)
Watford vs Burnley (10pm)
Southampton vs Crystal Palace (10pm)
Aston Villa vs Norwich (10pm)
Wolves vs Brighton (10pm)

SUNDAY
Leeds vs Manchester City (12.30am)
Tottenham vs Leicester (9pm)
Everton vs Chelsea (9pm)
West Ham vs Arsenal (11.30pm)

TUESDAY
Manchester United vs Brentford (3am)