Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has highlighted the enormous physical and mental demands of football management.
The 56-year-old shocked the Reds’ supporters when he announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the season.
The German looked on course for a perfect farewell when his side lifted the League Cup and were in contention for the FA Cup, Europa League and Premier League title.
However, things have deteriorated in the last few weeks and they will end the season with just one piece of silverware.
Klopp defended his decision to step down in an interview with Sky Sports and highlighted the enormous demands of Premier League management.
Klopp said: “The football hasn’t been great the last few weeks, and you start hearing people say that I look really tired. I’m just old! But I’m in it 100 percent until the last day. That was always the plan.
“I was sure that if I didn’t make that decision now, next year it could have been tricky. The thought of picking yourself up for another pre-season, make big decisions.
“For that, you really need to be full of energy. 80 percent is not enough. That’s the truth. It’s too much. It’s a 24/7 job. Yes, there are more important things in life, but if you really care then it’s 24/7.
“I did it for a pretty long time, and I knew I couldn’t continue to do it at the standard necessary for a club like Liverpool.”
Liverpool have three fixtures remaining and the highest points tally they can reach is 84.
Their Premier League title aspirations suffered a massive blow when they lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace at Anfield last month.
The subsequent 2-0 defeat at Everton ended their title hopes this season.
The Reds face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and will be hoping for a victory before their final fixtures against Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
