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Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool fans to stay calm following Virgil van Dijk's comments about his future.
The German boss stunned the football world by revealing his plan to leave Anfield at the end of the season, marking the end of a hugely successful era for the Reds.
Klopp and Van Dijk have forged a brilliant on and off-field partnershipCredit: GETTYAs well as searching for a new boss, Liverpool could be set for a huge rebuild of their playing squad, with Van Dijk suggesting that his future at the club is far from certain.
The defender has 18 months left on his deal and when asked about life after Klopp, he said: “The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known.
“To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.
“I’m very curious which direction that will go in but when that will be announced we will see our situation.
“It will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era – I am still part of it that’s why I don’t like to talk about it – and that is my main focus.
“Hopefully we will have the success we all dream of and by then probably there will be more clarification about what the club wants for the future and then we will see.”
Asked whether he could form part of the post-Klopp era, the Van Dijk replied: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.”
While those comments sparked uncertainty among supporters, the German boss was keen to urge calm among the fans, saying: “These players love to be here, don’t forget that. It (contract discussion) will happen behind the scenes.
Van Dijk has cast doubt over his Liverpool future following Klopp's announcementCredit: Getty“Things need time. Don’t worry. It is fine. The boys love this place. I know that for a fact. It is not that they have one foot out. They want to know a little bit of perspective but that is there and will happen, especially behind the scenes.
"A week ago, when no one knew about my situation, no-one asked. Nobody has to worry.
Danny Murphy fears that Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk could leave Liverpool, following news of Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season
"This club is stable, 100 per cent, and everything will be fine, I am 100 percent sure. I would recommend to stay calm in this department, massively. There is enough time to do everything.”
Klopp was also asked about the fitness of Mohamed Salah after he suffered a muscular injury while away with Egypt at the Africa Cup Of Nations.
“We cannot rush it," said Klopp. "A muscle injury takes time.
"It could have been much worse but he's not available at the moment - he is just doing his rehab.”