Sports
Klopp Advises Liverpool Players To Stay Calm About His Exit
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says people need “to stay calm” over concerns about the future of some of the club’s players.
Klopp announced last week that he is going to step down from his role at the end of the season.
Virgil van Dijk’s contract runs out in summer 2025 and he expressed doubts about whether he will be at the club following Klopp’s departure.
“The boys love this place. I know that for a fact,” said Klopp.
“It’s not that they have one foot out.”
Klopp told Liverpool’s owners in November that he would be leaving, with his decision being made public on 26 January.
The contracts of Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and defender Trent Alexander-Arnold are also scheduled to run out in summer 2025.
“The club knew about my departure already for a while. They could have used the time and tied the players down [to new deals],” added Klopp, prior to Wednesday’s game against Chelsea.
“Then I say, ‘by the way, I’m not here anymore’ and they say, ‘nobody told us that’. You cannot work like that, especially not with the relationship we have.
“There’s enough time to do everything.”
Klopp added that more information for those at the Anfield side would be provided “behind the scenes”.
“It was always clear that the outside world would not give you a second to process it. It’s just the next thing, what are you doing?’” added the 56-year-old German.
“Give us a break. If I’m here we need to create a perspective and what’s happening next and stuff like this. That’s completely normal.
“Nobody has to worry. I knew it would happen because you [media] cannot wait for these type of questions.
“This club is stable, 100%, and everything will be fine, I’m 100% sure.
“We have to get through this, get through your questions and we have to give some answers. That’s how it is.
“Our people, I would recommend to stay calm.
“There is nothing to worry about in this moment in time. We are in this season and all these talks could be part of a possible distraction for this season.
“The boys have to think about things, that’s a human right. That’s what you should do Salah sustained a hamstring injury playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and returned to the club for treatment.
The plan was for him to return to his national team when fit but Egypt have since been knocked out of the tournament after losing on penalties to DR Congo.
“Mo is not ready for this [Chelsea] game, [or] the next game [at Arsenal],” said Klopp.
“He’s injured. It’s a muscle injury, that takes time. It could’ve been much worse but he’s not available at the moment. He’s just doing his rehab.”
just before you make a decision about whatever and that’s completely normal.”
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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