'I know how it has happened' - Rafa Benitez claims he has 'inside' information on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool exit

Klopp shocked the football world when announcing his intention to leave Anfield at the end of the season, after nine-trophy laden seasons in charge of the Reds. The 56-year-old has insisted that he's too "tired" to continue on Merseyside and confirmed plans to take a year's break from management, but Benitez has come out to suggest that there is more to the story.

Benitez, who is currently at the helm of La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, coached Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, and is fondly remembered by supporters for delivering Champions League and FA Cup success. He claims to still be in contact with those behind the scenes at Anfield, as he told reporters at the weekend: “I have an advantage, which is that I have people in Liverpool and also people at the club, so more or less, I know how it has happened. I only have positive words about Klopp, because he is my friend and I have a good relationship with him. He [Klopp] has done and is doing an enormous job. Everything I can say about Klopp and Liverpool is positive.

“I know something else from inside, and it has more merit than being there. He goes and speaks up, giving the club time to reorganise, which, from another perspective, is also very German, because they do notify in advance, so it is not a shock. Let’s hope Liverpool will do well for now and when another coach comes too. I hope the best for the club.”

Former Liverpool left-back Jose Enrique suggested that a lack of backing in the transfer market from the Fenway Sports Group (FSG) could be a factor behind Klopp's departure, but the 56-year-old has insisted the club's American owners have "nothing to do with it". Still, there are plenty of fans that have been left confused by Klopp's decision given the fact he is cutting short his contract two years early, and with Liverpool now fighting at the top of the Premier League once again.

Speculation is already raging over who will replace Klopp, with the likes of Xavi Alonso, Unai Emery, Steven Gerrard and Jose Mourinho among those being linked with the top job at Anfield. Klopp will not have any input on his successor, though, as he told the media last week: "Why should I? It looks like I do all the work but I don’t, I can’t. That means all what we built in the last eight and half years is an incredibly strong structure behind the scenes so everything goes in the right direction. the last thing they need is advice from the old man walking out who tells them ‘By the way, make sure you bring him in’. I will definitely not do that. I don’t want to be the passenger who is disturbing that process. They will get a top manager here, there will be good football."

Despite Klopp's plans for a break, he is now being linked with the Germany national team job, and is also said to be a 'dream' target for Barcelona in their bid to find a replacement for Xavi. For now, though, Klopp will be focused on ending his Liverpool reign on a high, with a potential quadruple still on the cards and a heavyweight Premier League clash against Chelsea up next on Wednesday night.