Liverpool will be in good hands for years to come, believes Jurgen Klopp, as the departing manager said that his "team is set up for the future".
In his first press conference since the shock announcement that he would be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, Klopp stated that the way that he has built his new-look team, which is leading the Premier League table, means that they can continue the success that he has introduced to the club.
At the beginning of the season, Liverpool underwent a midfield overhaul, signing Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo after the departures of veterans Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and James Milner.
Other than Endo, three of the players signed are aged 25 or under. With other new faces coming through, Klopp called his team "Liverpool 2.0", saying it was a label that his successor will be able to enjoy.
"This team is set up for the future," Klopp said ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round tie on Sunday at home to Norwich City. "When I said Liverpool 2.0, I didn’t mean me for ever.
"There will be a top manager here and we can play good football.
"It is a wonderful future ahead. That’s all I want. I don’t want to be a passenger disturbing the process."
"Liverpool will get a top manager"
For the first time since 2015, Liverpool are looking for a new manager but Klopp believes the club's hierarchy will find the right person to succeed him.
"They will get a top manager here," he said. "There will be good football and what we all learned and changed from doubters to believers. If we keep all that, then it's a wonderful future ahead and that's all I want."
Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan said the club will go through a process "in the background" before hiring Klopp's successor. But no timeframe would be announced
"I wouldn't want to set an expectation as it's a process we have to go through," Hogan said. "We have to look through all the information and data, do the due diligence, and then we'll make an announcement. It'll go on in the background.
" I can't put a time on it - it will happen behind the scenes. It's not to be a distraction... it's about the campaign continuing and the team continuing to perform.
"When we have something to say, we will have something to say at that point."
CEO Hogan discusses Klopp's decision to leave Liverpool
"The best is yet to come"
With Liverpool fighting on four fronts this season - Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Europa League - Klopp believes his side can deliver success to crown his career at the club.
"In an ideal world the best memories are to come," he said. "I have no regrets so far, I have a lot of special memories but nothing to talk about today."
"The other boys are ready"
In addition to Klopp leaving at the end of the season, his assistants, Pepijn Lijnders, Peter Krawietz, and elite development coach Vitor Matos will also depart.
Klopp believes his staff are ready for the next step in management, singling out Lijnders for the potential of becoming a first-team manager.
"I will take the break but the other boys are ready," Klopp said. "The impact they had over the years, especially Pep, is second to none. I know that I have to be thankful and grateful to him. He gave me so many new visions and helped my to develop.
"They will all go for it and I will support and follow from where I am. I'll enjoy it a lot because there is a lot to expect from them."
