Jurgen Klopp has already suggested that John W. Henry and Fenway Sports Group are the ‘best owners‘ he has worked for amid their shock decision to sell the club.
The American sports investment group completed a deal for the Merseyside giants in October 2010 having purchased the club from previous owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks. They have helped the club to major success since having ended Liverpool ’s long wait for a Premier League title, whilst having also lifted their sixth European crown, the FA Cup, League Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
However, FSG have made the shock decision to put the Reds up for sale having reportedly put together a full sales presentation for interested parties and retained Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to assist with any deal.
A statement read: “There have been a number of recent changes of ownership and rumours of changes in ownership at EPL clubs and inevitably we are asked regularly about Fenway Sports Group’s ownership in Liverpool.
“FSG has frequently received expressions of interest from third parties seeking to become shareholders in Liverpool. FSG has said before that under the right terms and conditions we would consider new shareholders if it was in the best interests of Liverpool as a club. FSG remains fully committed to the success of Liverpool, both on and off the pitch."
One of their most admirable moves during their time at Anfield has been hiring German manager Klopp - the former Borussia Dortmund man having been a pivotal figure in the club’s success over recent years since his appointment by FSG.
What is your response to FSG putting Liverpool up for sale? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Klopp is likely to be shocked at the news having waxed lyrical about his relationship with John W. Henry and the club’s current owners in the past.
Speaking back in 2020, he said: "The relationship was exceptional. It was from the first day, actually. From that moment on, we had a very, very good relationship on a professional basis and on a personal basis as well. With Mike [Gordon], we work closely together – that’s how it is.”
He continued: "It has worked really well. They were my first owners, so I can’t compare them. They are the best owners I have worked for, for sure! There is no problem if things don’t happen. You do not need a personal relationship in this business. We have worked brilliantly together.
"First and foremost, they wanted to support us. Not always at first with money but with trust and support in the things we do. That was apparent from the first second. It was always clear. We finished eighth in 2016 – ninth would have been the worst ever, right?
"There was never doubt – not from that side. I’m pretty sure there was doubt from the outside. But from the owners side, there was never. They saw the little steps and that helped massively. We could make it, step-by-step."
