Jurgen Klopp's job as Liverpool manager remains safe, despite the German joking that his unquestioned presence at the club in light of recent sackings elsewhere is the "elephant in the room".
Klopp made the comment as he reacted to Chelsea's decision to sack Graham Potter and Leicester's mutual agreement to part ways with Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool have endured a dreadful season themselves and currently sit eighth in the Premier League.
They are eight points adrift of Tottenham, who occupy the final top four spot, with their future participation in the Champions League now on the line. The awful campaign has unsurprisingly led to criticism aimed at Klopp for team selection and tactics.
Even the German has jokingly admitted that he could be the next to go amid a record-breaking season for Premier League sackings. Twelve managers have now been sacked this term, with Klopp revealing he is relying on past success to keep him in his job.
“The elephant in the room probably from your point of view is why I’m still sitting here in this crazy world. Last man standing. That’s 12 now in the Premier League this season, eh? An awful number,” Klopp said when he addressed journalists at Monday's press conference.
“When you are in a relegation battle, we all know how much it means from a financial point of view for the clubs. You could say a similar thing about being in the Champions League or not being in it.
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"The season gets to the decisive part and people get afraid of not reaching their targets. I’m still here because of what happened in the last few years rather than this season. I don’t like the fact that I have to pretty much rely on that."
According to The Athletic, Klopp has little to worry about, with there being 'no chance' that Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, look to make a change in the dugout any time soon.
The German's status as the top-flight's longest-serving manager is said to be 'secure', no matter what happens. Both the supporters and senior boardroom figures remain fully behind Klopp despite this season's disappointment.
The owners are said to be sympathetic towards Klopp for the problems he is dealing with this campaign. A drop-off had been expected following the 63-game marathon of last year, which saw the Reds win the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
But the magnitude of the downturn in form has led to some concern and criticism being aimed at Klopp. He has been seen as being too loyal to some members of the dressing room, despite their poor form.
That criticism will not lead to any pressure on his job though, with Liverpool chiefs still happy to back him as much as possible. Klopp will hope he can start a turnaround with the Reds' trip to Chelsea on Tuesday night.
