Jurgen Klopp declines invitation to return to Liverpool as Arne Slot discusses their exchange.

Arne Slot has disclosed that Jurgen Klopp has already turned down an invitation to return to Anfield to watch a Liverpool match. Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool manager last summer after a highly successful nine-year tenure, has since taken on a new role as Head of Global Football for the Red Bull group, starting on January 1.

Under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool has flourished, currently leading the Premier League by eight points over Arsenal, advancing to the Champions League round-of-16 against PSG, and preparing for a League Cup final against Newcastle next month. A victory over reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday would extend their lead to 11 points with 11 matches remaining, although they have played one more game than Arsenal.

Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad, Slot revealed that he invited Klopp to return for matches against Manchester City and Real Madrid in December, but Klopp declined due to his new commitments.

“I wouldn’t mind him coming,” Slot said. “I invited him to the City and Real games, but he told me he has a job and is somewhere else in the world. He can come anytime he wants—whether to the training ground or matches. He is always welcome. But for now, he has other responsibilities, and earlier in the season, he was enjoying time off with his wife.”

During Klopp’s tenure, City were Liverpool’s main rivals, winning six Premier League titles, with Klopp being the last manager to deny them the championship in 2019/20. However, City are now in transition, trailing Liverpool by 17 points. They made significant signings in January, spending £180m on Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, and Nico Gonzalez to strengthen their squad.

Slot, however, is unconcerned about City’s spending, noting that Liverpool also underwent changes. “They made adjustments in the winter because they probably felt they needed to. That’s what it is. I don’t know the reasons behind bringing four players in,” he said.

He also highlighted that Liverpool’s squad is relatively new compared to past title challenges, with only a few players remaining from the team that won the Premier League in 2020. “This is quite a new team,” Slot explained. “Only a few players have experienced this rivalry with City, while many others were brought in last season or have come through the academy.”

Regarding City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, Slot said he is not focused on the case as it does not impact this season. “That isn’t part of my time here,” he said. “I see the headlines, but I don’t follow it closely.”