Rooney believes Klopp’s exit announcement has affected Liverpool’s performance

Ex-England captain Wayne Rooney says the timing of Klopp’s exit announcement was wrong following the club’s recent poor form.

Jurgen Klopp in January announced that he’d be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the current season having guided Liverpool to eight titles including the Champions League during his tenure at the club.

However, Wayne Rooney believes the German got the timing wrong.

“Do you not question the timing of it getting released that Klopp’s leaving the club?

Because over the last few weeks or the last couple of months, everyone’s saying ‘fairytale ending’ – all stuff like that.

“But the minute it goes wrong, I think you have to look at that timing.

These players are looking, Klopp’s so popular, even as an Everton fan I really like Jurgen Klopp,” he said.

The former Manchester United striker believes the announcement also had a toll on the players as some of them could have been caught in two minds.

“With him leaving the club, in their heads they’ll be thinking ‘What does my future hold?

Am I still gonna be a Liverpool player?

Do I still want to be a Liverpool player?’ I think that’s something you can look at,” he added

Jurgen Klopp took over a modest Liverpool team in 2015 and under his guidance, the club has reclaimed its stature as a football powerhouse in England.

As Klopp prepares to depart, he aims for the team to continue achieving success.

Following the announcement of Klopp’s departure, Liverpool found themselves in contention for all four major titles.

Despite securing the Carabao Cup, they might have to settle for that as their farewell gift to the esteemed German coach.

Their Europa League campaign ended poorly with a disappointing performance against Atalanta, and they were eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United.

Their remaining hope lies in the Premier League, where their chances of clinching the title now seem more improbable than achievable.