3 Lessons From a Shocking Departure

Jurgen Klopp was on top of the world.

He had just led Liverpool to its first Champions League title in over a decade — and now he was the envy of coaches across sports for his dry wit, humor and never-ceasing ability to tell the truth.

“Now we won something, and we will carry on,” Klopp said right after the 2019 title. “This is only the start for this group.”  

Last week, Klopp announced that he will leave Liverpool at season’s end — a decision that sent shockwaves across the soccer world and beyond.

Klopp’s reasons for departing, which he outlined in a 20-minute video, have three critical leadership lessons for us:

1. “Out of energy” 

Klopp flatly acknowledged last week that he had “run out of energy,” a candid assessment of his physical and mental state after more than two decades on the sidelines.

The truth of the matter is that coaching is far more demanding now than it ever has been. Team construction, strategizing, navigating conflict, motivating, and building trust and cohesion can make the work feel never-ending and can easily lead to burnout.

Klopp’s admission isn’t a sign of weakness or ineptitude. Rather, it’s an acknowledgment that leadership can be unbelievably taxing, physically and emotionally. As long as we’ve put our best foot forward, there’s no shame in saying we need a break from the arduous grind.

2. Be transparent with your team

Klopp didn’t tell friends in secret and hope the news wouldn’t leak. He was fully transparent with his plans, and his players heard the news directly from the source.

Too often, though, leaders shy away from the truth because it’s difficult to share and because they don’t want to ruffle any feathers or cause distraction. 

But while the news may raise some eyebrows, we have a duty to be up front and transparent with our team members about how our plans may affect theirs and the team’s moving forward.

“That was very important to me that I inform everybody as early as somehow possible,” Klopp said.

3. Go out on your terms

Klopp didn’t allow his performance to slip and force management to make a difficult decision. He acknowledged he didn’t feel his best at the moment and graciously decided to step away.

We may not all have the financial luxury to quit whenever we please, but there’s something to be said for admitting we may not be at peak performance and leaving on our own terms.

Whether Klopp returns to the sidelines at some points remains to be seen.

But his impact on coaches all over will be felt for years to come.

“We have so many good things. If you want to remember them, remember them,” he said.

“I will forever. I’ll cherish them 100 percent.”

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