Liverpool players left ‘shocked’ after learning of Jurgen Klopp’s departure on morning of announcement - despite decision being made back in November

While the German explained that he had communicated his decision to the Liverpool board last November, players were unaware of the decision until just before the bombshell announcement on Friday morning.

The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe reports that: "Although Klopp told the Liverpool hierarchy of his intention in November, the players were only informed this morning. Naturally, they are as shocked as the supporters and the rest of the football world."

While its understandable that Klopp and the club would keep the news under wraps from the autumn, particularly as the team hit a strong run of form, it comes as something of a surprise that players received the news at the same time as the general public. One of the challenges facing Klopp between now and the end of the season will be to settle his squad and use the end of his time at Anfield as a positive motivational factor, with Liverpool very much a candidate for trophies in every competition.

We'll get a first glimpse at how the squad reacts to the stunning news when Liverpool take on Norwich City at Anfield on Sunday, in a game that has now suddenly taken on a huge emotional significance.