Liverpool rejected Jurgen Klopp’s request to retain James Milner only six months before announcing the German manager’s departure.

Milner’s Key Role Under Klopp

Signed by Brendan Rodgers in 2015, Milner emerged as a vital squad member during Klopp’s eight-year tenure. He contributed to six major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League titles. Although his starting appearances dwindled in later seasons—limited to seven league starts in his final year—Klopp valued Milner’s leadership in the dressing room and pushed to extend his contract past the summer of 2023. Club executives overruled the decision, prompting Milner to join Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

Klopp’s Tribute to the Veteran

Klopp described his relationship with Milner as both a pleasure and a challenge. “A pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment it means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really,” Klopp reflected. “I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word ‘role model’. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100 per cent ready.”

He added, “It’s a pure example; absolutely outstanding. [It was] a challenge because especially in the beginning everything was alright when he was starting, but when he didn’t start then that was a bit tricky. I never saw a bigger mood change in an instant! Similar to Lucas Leiva, I would say. But he played a lot of games so he didn’t have that problem now too often, but no, really, really, really good.”

Milner’s Account of the Decision

Milner acknowledged Klopp’s desire to keep him but noted the club’s final call. “It’s all good because the manager wanted to keep me – which as a player is what you want,” Milner stated. “Obviously the club decided a different way. In my head it felt like it could be a good time, so I’m content with how it’s all come about. It was probably about three weeks ago that I heard from the club. Because I hadn’t heard anything, in my own mind I had probably decided myself that I would be going. I will continue to play football, so yes I could be back in front of the Kop potentially. It’s an option.”

Timeline and Current Status

Milner’s departure preceded Klopp’s shock exit announcement in January 2024 by six months. After nearly nine years in charge, Klopp stepped down at season’s end, citing exhaustion. Two years on, Klopp serves as head of football at Red Bull, while 40-year-old Milner remains active in the Premier League.

This week, Milner equaled Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances, substituting in Brighton’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa. He now returns to Anfield as Brighton meets Liverpool in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening.