Klopp announced his departure in a 25 minute interview. During the interview, the football manager explained his reasons. He explained that “my energy source isn’t endless”, inferring that his overall wellbeing has diminished over time.

Jurgen Klopp discusses his decision to leave Liverpool FC.

Football coaches’ wellbeing and performance

A person’s wellbeing is a complex concept. It encompasses both how they feel and how they function.

My research is focused on the way professional football coaches understand and experience wellbeing. I asked coaches what they thought wellbeing was and how they experienced it. The coaches discussed the factors that influence their mental and physical energy, such as their work and home lives and their relationships with family and colleagues. The coaches’ focus on energy is similar to Klopp’s. Many coaches admitted that this was their first chance to talk openly about wellbeing.

That’s unsurprising. High performance coaches are rarely seen talking about their own wellbeing. Klopp’s openness and honesty have set an example for other football coaches. His interview could have a lasting impact on the sport.

High-performance sports: Vulnerability, abuse and vulnerability

In high-performance sports environments, it’s not always safe for athletes or managers to express their vulnerability or ask for help. This can be perceived as a weakness.

Research shows that more should be said about vulnerability when it comes to high-performance sports, as athletes and managers face a greater risk of being attacked or hurt, physically or emotionally.

Every four minutes, Premier League footballers on social media are abused.

There have been many incidents in the past few years. One of the most notable was the attack on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe by a Newcastle fan in 2023. Many footballers have complained about the abuse that they receive on and off the field. It’s not only players and managers that are affected. Premier League Referee Mike Dean resigned after receiving death threats for himself and his family in February 2021.

According to my research, the stress and verbal abuse experienced by Premier League managers affects not only their well-being but also that of their family members. In 2021, for example, is synonymous with aggressive masculinity. Winning at all costs is the mentality, and gender standards and behaviors are expected.

In my research, one of the coaches described an incident where they requested well-being support from their manager and were told to “f***-off” by him. It’s not surprising that many people don’t feel secure enough to show any signs of vulnerability. This is often due to fear of losing their jobs. Seeking support for mental illness is stigmatized in football.

Mental health problems can be stigmatized in football

There have been reports that footballers like Dele or Jadon Sancho defied the hypermasculine cultural silence of the sport by speaking out about their health struggles.

Professional football coaches, on the other hand, haven’t been as forthcoming up until now.

Klopp encourages other coaches to put their wellbeing first.

Klopp’s honesty about his situation could encourage coaches to open up about their own well-being and de-stigmatize vulnerable displays.

The impact of Klopp’s interview was immediate. In less than 24 hours, Xavi announced his resignation. “I have been a club man. I put the club first. He said, “I’ve given all I have. From a mental health perspective, it’s hard… The battery levels keep draining.” His statement echoed Klopp’s and the coaches who participated in our research.

These announcements may be a sign of what’s to come, with more high-performance sports coaches helping to change the culture of football in men.