Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp corelates joy to pressure as his final Merseyside derby awaits

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp asserted that the perennial pressure surrounding the Merseyside derby leaves no room for joy. The Reds will battle Everton on Wednesday in the Premier League must-win clash amid the ongoing three-way title race.

Liverpool beat Fulham 1-3 in the away Premier League game after losing 0-1 at home to Crystal Palace. They also drew 2-2 to Manchester United, dropping four points in the last three games which cost them the top spot.

The Reds are still in the title race and need to catch up to Arsenal after their victory over Chelsea. With only five games remaining, Liverpool needs to win each game and hope the Gunners and Manchester City drop points.

The title race adds a big layer of pressure in the Merseyside derby which is a heated fixture regardless. The fierce local rivalry decides the bragging rights until the next Merseyside derby, leaving no “enjoyable” space for either manager.

Speaking to the reporters before the derby (h/t Liverpool Echo), Klopp provided an honest answer to the situation. He said:

“Around the derby is just pressure. The pressure is higher so why should the joy be higher? You win it, great, but why should I miss the pressure around it? This time, when you’re really playing for something, that’s the pressure. But when you are both not in a great moment, it’s the one game you have to win, definitely. That kind of pressure – why would I miss that? It’s not enjoyable.”

In January, Klopp announced that he was stepping back from the managerial role after the end of the current season. The German cited the feeling of burnout and lacking energy to continue as the reason for his well-calculated decision.

Liverpool fans and Klopp share a special connection and the majority of them consider him a member of their family. The beloved manager’s news surprised the fanbase but they understood him prioritizing his mental and physical well-being.

Klopp achieved great success at Liverpool and installed a culture that balanced the development of youth with incredible ambitions. He taught fans and players many valuable lessons in building positive mindsets, lessons they can use in their day-to-day lives.

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Klopp surpassed his competitive rivals despite facing limited resources, making every season an uphill battle. Furthermore, the poor management of the Premier League worked against the club throughout his tenure, riling up both fans and the manager. Liverpool suffered dearly from unfair scheduling, poor officiating and unregulated financial breaches from its rivals. The situation cost them multiple trophies and kept the club under pressure to maintain a status as one of the giants of the game.