Liverpool legend John Barnes has responded to rumours that German boss Jurgen Klopp could leave Anfield.
Klopp has come in for criticism this term, with the Reds sat in sixth place and effectively out of the title race.
Their title defence this season has been hampered by injuries to multiple defenders and midfielders.
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Reacting to speculation that Klopp might leave, Barnes said: “Well, it’s very much like the players, I can’t see why Jurgen Klopp wouldn’t be there next season.
“Having said that, football being football, managers do sometimes go on a very regular basis. However, I genuinely think that if Jurgen Klopp is not coming back for the next season, it won’t be because Liverpool didn’t win the league.
“Klopp has created a great, consistent team with Liverpool – with a team sprit at an all-time high.
“Yes, the last few months haven’t been perfect, but I do think COVID-19 and all the issues and uncertainties this virus has brought upon us, it is no wonder players may not perform in the best possible way.
“But I don’t think a difficult spell would result in Klopp leaving.
“Klopp loves Liverpool and I do believe that he will stay to the end of his contract.”
The manager has had to deal with injuries to first-teamers Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk and Fabinho.
Thiago, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez have also spent time on the sidelines.
Despite this season proving to be a weak title defence, Liverpool can still make 2020/21 successful.
They’re halfway into the Champions League quarter-finals after securing a 2-0 away win over RB Leipzig last month.
Liverpool just need to hang onto their aggregate lead to cement a place in the last eight of Europe’s elite competition.
Victory in the Champions League would demonstrate Liverpool’s prowess once again.
The Reds’ next match is a big clash with Chelsea on Thursday.
The post ‘He loves Liverpool’ – Barnes reacts to Klopp exit rumours appeared first on Football365.com.