Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is rapidly approaching a year in the job, but he’s revealed that he won’t have time to reflect and celebrate the landmark.
The German tactician will have been at Anfield for exactly a year on Saturday, and will be in a positive mood considering his side’s form so far this season.
With the Merseyside giants currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table, just two points adrift of league leaders Manchester City, you would think that Klopp may even enjoy his anniversary celebration.
However, he has taken a more philosophical approach and although he believes he’s made progress since arriving in England, he is focused on a long-term plan that sees Liverpool back on top of the pile.
“I have no time,” Klopp said, according to the Liverpool Echo. “And I am not in the mood for reflection, to be honest.
“It’s a year, I’m a year older and all this s***, but everything else is good. Not perfect, but in a good way. That’s what we hoped, that’s what we said. The thing is, I’m not here for a year, I’m here hopefully for the long-term.
“My year is what, the 8th of October, yes? We will not celebrate, I can tell you that! Hopefully nobody brings me a cake!
“This club has a lot of work to do, it’s not about enjoying the history, it’s about being part of it. And being a part of it is nice.”
Klopp has also guided Liverpool to two cup finals during his stint in charge thus far, although the Reds went on to lose both as his wait for silverware continues.
Nevertheless, given the way that he has his side now playing and with the individuals that he brought in over the summer, there is certainly a sense that Liverpool can be a threat in the title race this season, as evidenced in their performances this season aside from the disappointing loss away at Burnley.
Consistency will be the key between now and May, and perhaps by not celebrating his anniversary given that he hasn’t come close to completing the work that he set out to do yet, Klopp sounds as focused as ever to continue to work towards the targets set at Anfield.