Klopp honoured by signing extension with “special” Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has issued an impassioned request for unity after revealing his honour at signing a new six-year deal with Liverpool.

The 49-year-old has committed his future to the Anfield outfit until 2022, nine months after being installed at the helm, with his assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz also extending their contracts.

Fenway Sports Group moved quickly to tie down one of the game’s premier managers, with a joint-statement by principle owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner and FSG president Mike Gordon reading: “When you have an individual of Jurgen’s quality in the building it makes perfect sense to secure that person for the long term. To not do so would be irresponsible.”

Klopp, gearing up for his first full campaign in charge at Liverpool, said: "It’s hard to express in words how honoured myself, Zeljko and Peter feel by the commitment shown in us by the ownership and the club in general.

"We are very much at the beginning of our journey, but to already have the connection we have with this very special place is incredible.

"I am the first to recognise that with this great commitment comes a great responsibility. All of our coaching careers we have looked to make teams and clubs better, with the ultimate goal of making the supporters proud and happy.

"To do this we have to make sure we always put player and team development at the heart of every major decision.  

"It is my job to lead that and ensure every element of the LFC football environment reflects the best practices in the game. It is fantastic that the club’s ownership is just as committed to this as we are.

"There is much to do and much to achieve and we look to do this by being the most completely together group anywhere in the world. That’s everyone and we all have responsibility for it - all of us who are part of this LFC family: players, staff, ownership and of course the supporters.

"By being together at all times, we will be stronger, better and our successes sweeter."

Klopp led Liverpool to two finals in his opening months in English football, and will look to further that as he fully implements his 'fighting football' philosophy.