Jurgen Klopp's wishes were denied by the Liverpool board
Jurgen Klopp with James Milner and Jordan Henderson
Jurgen Klopp with James Milner and Jordan Henderson, two of his converts to padel.(Image: Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
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Liverpool turned down Jurgen Klopp's plea to retain James Milner at Anfield half a year before the German revealed his intended exit. The ex-England international was brought to Merseyside in 2015 under Brendan Rodgers but became one of Klopp's most loyal servants during their eight-year partnership.
Milner clinched six major trophies under Klopp, including the Premier League and Champions League. Despite remaining a crucial part of the Liverpool squad in his later years at the club, his appearances in the starting eleven began to wane, managing only seven league starts in his final season.
Nonetheless, Klopp greatly valued his importance and campaigned to keep his reliable midfielder at the club beyond the end of his contract in summer 2023. Despite his efforts, the request was vetoed by the club's top brass, leading to Milner joining Brighton and Hove Albion on a free transfer at the close of the 2022/23 season.
Klopp delivered a touching tribute about his time working with the midfielder, dubbing him as the ultimate role model. When quizzed about his experiences managing Milner, Klopp stated: "A pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment [it] means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really.
"I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word 'role model'. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100% ready.
"It's a pure example; absolutely outstanding. [It was] a challenge because especially in the beginning everything was alright when he was starting, but when he didn't start then that was a bit tricky. I never saw a bigger mood change in an instant!
"Similar to Lucas Leiva, I would say. But he played a lot of games so he didn't have that problem now too often, but no, really, really, really good." Milner did confirm that Klopp had wanted him to extend his Anfield stay, but the request was blocked by the club.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (right) and James Milner in discussion during a training session at the AXA Training Centre, Kirkby
Jurgen Klopp wanted to hold keep James Milner at Liverpool before the midfielder left in 2023(Image: PA)
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"It's all good because the manager wanted to keep me - which as a player is what you want," Milner previously said. "Obviously the club decided a different way. In my head it felt like it could be a good time, so I'm content with how it's all come about.
"It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club. Because I hadn't heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going. I will continue to play football, so yes I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It's an option."
Milner's heartfelt exit came just six months before Klopp would shockingly announce his departure from Liverpool in January 2024, leaving the supporters stunned. The 58-year-old revealed his intentions to step down at the season's end after nearly nine years at the helm.
The iconic German pointed to a lack of energy as the reason for his departure. Two years on from Klopp's announcement, he's no longer managing a football team, but instead serving as head of football at Red Bull, while Milner continues to play Premier League football at the ripe age of 40.
On Wednesday, he matched Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League appearance record (653) after coming off the bench for Brighton in their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa. He has the chance to increase his all-time appearances when the Seagulls face his old club at Anfield in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday evening.
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