Former Republic of Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Ray Houghton says the news that "iconic figure" Jurgen Klopp is to step down as manager of the Merseysiders came as a shock.
The 56-year-old German has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, saying he is "running out of energy", having led the Premier League club to six major trophies since taking charge in October 2015.
"There were no rumours about it whatsoever," Houghton told RTÉ News. "Apparently Jurgen made the decision back in November and talked it through with the club.
"I was commentating on the game on Sunday when they were playing Bournemouth and I said how fresh he looked after he had been away for four days on holiday, and ready for the season ahead. I was at the game on Wednesday against Fulham and he was fist-pumping at the Liverpool supporters when they drew the game to go through to the [Carabao Cup] final.
"I was thinking everything was looking really good and then the news comes out that he's about to leave the club.
"This season Liverpool look fresh. There are some younger players coming in, top of the league and in the final of the League Cup, everything seems to be going in the right direction. FA Cup and Europa League still to come so four competitions they're still in and you would think the manager would be there for a lot longer but obviously he had a decision to make.
"He's an iconic figure. Very few people have got that in sport."
Houghton saluted the man who delivered the long-awaited league title in 2020 - as well as winning the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup - but believes that the bond he forged with the fans was about more than success on the pitch.
"There has been so much good about what Jurgen Klopp has done at Liverpool," he said.
"The trophies that he has won and the finals he has got to. Three Champions League finals. Yes he would have loved to have won more Premier League titles but they have been up against a Manchester City side that have been absolutely outstanding."
"I think the Liverpool fans will be devastated because of what he has achieved and what he has brought to the club. The humility that he brings, the individual and caring person that he is.
"He came in and connected with the fans straight away, which was hugely important. Whoever the next manager is, they have to connect with the fan base. Other managers hadn't done prior to Jurgen, he got the fans onside and look what they have achieved.
"If you could bottle what he has… it's absolutely incredible. You can see the passion and the love and respect they have for each other. He cycles into work and he’s waving at fans as he goes in. He’s just like a normal person that loves the club and they love him.
"He's an iconic figure. Very few people have got that in sport. When they come into a room it goes quiet, because someone special has walked in. That's what Jurgen has got."
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher hopes Jurgen Klopp can "go out with a bang".
Carragher, who made 737 appearances for the Reds, posted on X: "This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
"I just thought it would be another few years away. What a manager, what a man, let's go out with a bang Jurgen!"
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, who succeeded Klopp when he left Dortmund ahead of joining Liverpool, said he was still trying to "process" the news when he was asked about it at his pre-match press conference on Friday, but added: "Kloppo is one of the best coaches of all time. He's always managed to influence an entire club at all his clubs. It’s huge news."
Klopp's Manchester United counterpart Erik ten Hag hailed the "amazing job" the German had done on Merseyside.
"He has made an era there. He built the club, he brought the club back I think where they belong, so congratulations on that," the Dutchman said. "He has done an amazing job in Liverpool."
Ten Hag said he could understand Klopp starting to feel as though his energy was running out, adding: "Nine years is a long time. The Premier League is very intense, in combination with European Cup football.
"When you’re in (post for) nine years it’s a long period, so I can understand that he is running out of energy. That is one of his arguments to step down."
