Klopp reveals ex-Premier League rival played key role in his Dortmund exit as Liverpool speculation continues

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed the key reason behind the timing of his announcement that he would be leaving Borussia Dortmund in 2015, as he goes past seven years as Reds boss.

Klopp established himself as a club icon at Dortmund and, by the time of his departure, was the club's longest-serving manager - a record he still holds.

But the only blot on an otherwise exceptional copybook was the difficulties in his final season in charge. After their 20th game of the season, Dortmund were in the relegation zone of the Bundesliga, although a charge in the second half of the campaign saw them jump to seventh.

Now, over seven years on, the German has opened up on the difficult decision he took - and the timing of it.

Jurgen Klopp on Dortmund exit

However, the explanation for this is slightly different to what you might expect.

Klopp said: "I can still remember the reason for the timing back then - Thomas Tuchel was about to go to HSV [Hamburger SV].

"[I said] 'Wait a minute! Tuchel is going to HSV? Then we have to get it out there now!' That's why it was a little earlier than planned at the time."

"I'm not sure Jurgen picks them up from where they are and makes them challengers again, I really don't."

He later added: "It's going to be a fight to get in the top four now. If they miss out on the top four, it's a rebuild. A total rebuild."

Since then, Klopp has guided his team up to sixth in the league table, and the Reds have also comfortably progressed through their Champions League group.

The German currently shows no indication of departing Anfield at the end of the season.