Jurgen Klopp theory suggests Liverpool 'lost something' after announcement rocked squad

Martin Keown has claimed Liverpool "lost something" when Jurgen Klopp announced his exit.

The football world was rocked on January 26 when Klopp delivered sudden news of his departure after nine years in charge of The Reds. The announcement sent waves of emotion through the city, leaving the Anfield faithful heartbroken.

At the time of the revelation, Liverpool were locked in an intense three-way battle for the Premier League crown. It appeared for a while that news of Klopp's exit might have spurred the team on to win the title in a perfect farewell for their manager, despite injuries plaguing the squad.

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That determination was on full display during the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea at the end of February, where a Liverpool side reliant on teenagers won in extra-time to lift the season's first trophy. But after a series of hard-fought wins, Liverpool's momentum was halted by a draw at Old Trafford and defeats to Crystal Palace and then Everton at Goodison Park, effectively ending their chase for the title.

Having led the table by four points at the beginning of March, questions were raised on how Klopp missed out on a second league trophy. And after Klopp bid his final farewell to Liverpool in the 2-0 triumph over Wolves on Sunday, talkSPORT pundit Keown argued that his decision to step down had a negative effect on the team's performance.

The Arsenal legend said (via the Mirror): "I just feel that when I look at Klopp, he has such an emotional connection with his players. Maybe the Klopp cuddle wasn't quite having the same impact when he announced he was not going to be in the building.

"Just the way that it works regarding the players - it was invaluable when it was going well. But when he's not going to be there any longer, that human connection is suddenly not as important anymore. I think they lost something," leading Jim White to ask if he meant immediately after Klopp's announcement.

Keown added: "We were sat here that morning and we thought 'God this is powerful. This could take them to the Premier League.' But I think actually the opposite happened and I think players start looking around being concerned about the future.

"What it suggests is when you've got a special connection with people, they give you a hell of a lot. But when that love's been taken away as it was, it causes a little bit of a hurt."

With fellow pundit Simon Jordan unconvinced, Keown responded: "They become unsettled. The players are unsettled at Liverpool!”

Jordan countered by dryly remarking: "He didn't put them up for adoption did he?” Keown continued: "The specialness of the ingredient - there's a touch of magic about Klopp and he does it through personal connection."

Trent Alexander-Arnold recently shed light on the squad’s dejection after Klopp told them he would be leaving. “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 right-back admitted.

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"We were flying, up and around the top of the league, we're fighting on all four fronts at that point for every trophy we could so you're expecting the good times to keep coming and coming and coming.

"So when he tells us the news and his decision we have got to respect it obviously but it's one of them no player wants to hear and it was one that kind of shook the dressing room for a couple of hours. But he told us, 'Look we're professionals, don't let it get to us'."

The German’s impending departure also sparked uncertainty in the squad, affecting even captain and defensive colossus Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman revealed he didn’t know where his future would take him beyond this season in January, saying he would wait until the next manager was announced before deciding his next step.

Legendary forward Mohamed Salah had a rare public spat with Klopp while waiting to be substituted on late against West Ham, suggesting possible underlying tensions. Salah, who has just one year remaining on his contract, took to social media to share a heartfelt image of him and his manager after the season finale, showcasing their special bond.

His caption read: "It was great sharing all those trophies and experiences with you over the past 7 years. I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope we meet again."