Ten Hag says he 'understands' why out-of-energy Klopp is quitting Liverpool

Erik ten Hag says he understands why Jurgen Klopp is quitting Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield.

The Manchester United manager praised Klopp for the job he has done in turning Liverpool into Champions League and Premier League winners since taking over in 2015, but acknowledged that the strain of the job will have taken its toll on the German.

'I can understand that,' said Ten Hag. 'Nine years is a long time. I think it's a period by building up and achieving targets, but also I think setbacks and going into difficult periods. The Premier League is very intense.

'The combination with European club football, when you're there nine years it's a long period and I can understand he is running out of energy, and that is one of his arguments to step down.'

Klopp's departure is a blow for United's arch rivals but Ten Hag takes the view that it is not necessarily good news for English football.

'It's no good for the Premier League,' he added. 'So he has made an era there, he built the club, he brought the club back where they belong, so congratulations on that. He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.'