Jurgen Klopp ‘lost something’ at Liverpool as theory emerges as to why dream exit didn’t work

After holding a four-point lead at the start of March, the Reds have been labeled ‘bottlers’ by some as an inquiry looms into how Klopp missed out on a second league triumph. The German bid his final farewell in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wolves, with talkSPORT pundit Keown claiming the team’s performances have actually taken a hit following Klopp’s decision to step down.

He said: “I feel when I watch Klopp, he has such an emotional connection with his players. Perhaps Klopp’s embrace didn’t quite have the same impact when he announced he wouldn’t be in the building.

“The way it works in terms of players – he was invaluable when it was going well. But when he’s gone, that human connection suddenly isn’t as important anymore. I think they’ve lost something,” prompting Jim White to ask if he meant it immediately after Klopp’s announcement.

Keown continued: “We sat here that morning and thought, ‘Oh my God, this is powerful. This could take them to the Premier League. But I think the opposite has actually happened and I think the players are starting to look around to be worried about the future.

“What it suggests is that when you have a special connection with people, they give you a lot of things. But when love was taken for what it was, it causes a little hurt.”

With fellow pundit Simon Jordan having none of it, Keown sternly reiterated: “They’re getting restless. The players are unhappy at Liverpool!”

Jordan disagreed, saying, “I didn’t give him up for adoption, did I?” to which the Arsenal legend said: “The specialty of the ingredient – there’s a touch of magic in Klopp and he does it through personal connection.”

Liverpool talisman Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent comments explaining the mood in the dressing room immediately following Klopp’s announcement go some way to supporting Keown’s assessment. “Just a complete surprise to all of us as players, it was one that we didn’t see coming, you never do, especially when things are going so well,” the defender recalled.

“We were flying, up and around the top of the league, fighting on all four fronts at the time for every trophy we could, so you expect the good times to keep coming and coming and coming.

“So when he tells us the news and his decision, we obviously have to respect it, but it’s one that no player wants to hear and it was one that rocked the dressing room for a few hours. But he told us, ‘Look we’re professionals, don’t let them touch us’.

The German’s decision also raised doubts in the minds of players about their own futures, including captain and defender Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman admitted he does not know where his future will take him beyond this season and said he will wait until the next manager is announced before deciding on his next step.

Legendary striker Mohamed Salah had an unusual public spat with Klopp when he came off the bench late on against West Ham, hinting at frustrations and a change in their relationship. Salah, who has just a year left on his contract at Anfield, posted an emotional picture of himself and Klopp on social media after the final day of the season.

The Egyptian wrote: “It was great to share all those trophies and experiences with you in the last 7 years. I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope to meet again.”

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