Postecoglou admits he's surprised but absolutely understands why Klopp leaving

Ange Postecoglou has explained that he can understand why Jurgen Klopp has decided to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season.

In an announcement that sent shockwaves across the football world, Klopp revealed this morning that his nine-year stint on Merseyside will come to an end this summer.

On Friday the Liverpool boss explained his reasoning, noting that his energy levels are no longer 'endless' and that someone else will be best served in driving the club forward in the coming years.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss also noted that he will not renege on his decision as Sir Alex Ferguson famously did after promising to call time on his stint as Man United boss in 2001.

Speaking ahead of his side's FA Cup clash with Manchester City, Postecoglou admitted the announcement took him by surprise but explained he understood why Klopp made his decision.

'Look I'm as surprised as anyone else because he's a top manager and they're flying at the moment.' The Australian said on ITV Sport.

'But also understanding in the back of my mind that probably all of us who have been in the game for quite a while know, it's the constant thought in our heads, because we know how much you need to put into this position.'

After a strong start to his maiden Premier League campaign, Spurs currently sit eight points behind Liverpool in the table.

Asked whether he could empathise with Klopp's feeling of fatigue after a near decade stint in the Anfield dugout, Postecoglou answered in the affirmative and explained why he hopes Klopp's hiatus from football proves to be a sustained one.

'Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, he's probably one of the unique ones.' He continued.

'I mean, he's an outstanding manager, world class and he will go down as one of the best but when you do it at one club for that long, that's the uniqueness of it. You know, you kind of have to rebuild teams all the time within the same context.

'Look (it's) totally understandable, my only wish is that he does stay out of the game for a little while. For a couple of reasons.

'The obvious ones about the competitiveness, but also gives me a bit of hope than when I call the day I'm not going to get the itch to come back too quickly.'