Jose Enrique has dug his heels into the ground and doubled down on his criticism of Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, believing they have played a role in Jurgen Klopp’s decision to quit from his job.
His reaction follows right in the wake of the Reds boss speaking out against the Spaniards claims following his announcement last Friday, January 26.
56-year-old Klopp made the shock announcement that he would be exiting his post after admitting he has run out of energy after pushing the envelope to achieve excellence for the Reds relentlessly for nine years. Klopp will depart from Anfield his post despite having two years remaining on his contract.
Klopp’s bombshell revelation did not in any way mitigate the Reds’ desire to push on as they have since won their first two matches, beating Norwich in the FA Cup before vanquishing Chelsea in the league.
Suffice it to say that not everyone is convinced by Klopp’s reasons for making a quiet exit at the end of the season, with former defender Enrique who has chosen instead to point an accusing finger at owners, FSG.
“I think there are many reasons why he’s leaving, but they are reasons that we will probably never find out,” he said speaking to Grosvenor Sports.
“Even if he doesn’t agree with me, I still think and believe the owners have a lot to do with it – you can’t renew your contract and suddenly leave the club, it doesn’t make any sense. There has to be more to it.
“It has to be something with the owners, he must be tired of having to pull off miracles all the time. He always has to do so much more than Manchester City and even Arsenal now to get what he wants in the transfer window.
“I don’t think he’s just tired generally, why would you renew your contract a few months ago if you’re tired? It doesn’t make sense.
“The fact that this has happened in the middle of the transfer window too is worth discussing. Klopp had probably had another window of talking about players that he needs to compete, because at the moment they’re fighting in every competition, and once again the club haven’t brought anyone in.
“They lost Joel Matip to injury, but instead of signing another defender, they’ve had to play Jarell Quansah. I think there’s more to it and that’s just my opinion – obviously he says something different and he knows his own reasons, but for him to leave now is strange.”
The former full-back is entertaining a theory that a lack of investment was partly accountable for the former Borussia Dortmund boss’ decision to throw in the towel, albeit in gracious submission to situation shrouding him.
Speaking last week, Enrique claimed: “I think something happened. I have my own opinion about it. I think it has to do with the spending and the owners. I think he has got tired of it to keep fighting every single year to sign the players that he deserves in the team.
“I think he’s just got tired of that. That’s a personal opinion. Obviously he’s giving his opinion and that’s a real one but from my side and seeing it from a former player as well, he’s just every year he needs to do miracles to win stuff with these players.
“Obviously they have a great team this year to win stuff but again, this January transfer window, the team needs something and the owners just don’t give it. I really believe they need one or two players and he does as well, even if he doesn’t say so.
“So I think he’s just tired of it. I think he believes it’s going to be a good season and then after that, he leaves as a king. That’s my opinion from the outside, I’m not sure if anyone is thinking like me but it’s very sad and first thoughts, I was mad. Not about him but the owners. I was really, really mad about it.”