Jurgen Klopp rates Arne Slot's start as ex-Liverpool boss enjoys being a fan

Jurgen Klopp has admitted he’s now watching Liverpool as a fan after leaving his role as manager. The 57-year-old followed the 2-0 win at Ipswich from afar on Saturday and said he was impressed with the start made by the Reds under Arne Slot.

He also claimed to be “fully charged” again after his break from the game, but stopped short of declaring himself available for a return to the dugout.

Opening up on the moment he found out Slot would be his replacement, Klopp told ESPN: “Good coach. I was really happy when I learnt Liverpool was going for Slot.

“The only concern for me was would they get a good coach, and that was a big part of me announcing my decision early. And Liverpool got a top, top solution in Arne Slot. I liked his football a lot at Feyenoord.

“I watched the pre-season game with Sevilla at Anfield and parts of it were really, really good. And the Premier League game (at Ipswich), the second half was so good as well.”

And the German insisted he was fully behind his former team to succeed this season. “I want him to do well and I want the club to do well, and of course the players to do well,” he continued.

“I’m a supporter now. In the nine years I was there we tried to build a foundation so that other people don’t have to change everything. I think the foundation is good, but now it’s about new skills and a new approach to different things. And that will help.”

Klopp waved farewell to Anfield in emotional scenes in May, after his side had beaten Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season. He’s since vowed to spend at least a year away from football, despite being immediately linked to several high-profile jobs.

And he appears to be enjoying his sabbatical. “I enjoy still watching football,” he said. “But besides that it’s been a lot of (watching) Olympics and stuff like that. So, brilliant summer so far.

“There’s been three proper weeks with the kids and the grandkids. So all good and fully charged – but I’m not saying I can go again. But I’m in a good mood.”

Klopp also revealed he’s been closely following the progress of FC Red Bull Salzburg. His former assistant at Liverpool, Pep Lijnders, is now in charge of the Austrian side who have started the season well under the Dutch coach.