Liverpool fans have noted that Sakho is indirectly referencing the beloved former manager after citing the season when Klopp led the team out of the UCL as an example regarding job security.
On 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Arne Sakho, Liverpool's head coach, became a topic of debate among fans again after he mentioned Jürgen Klopp, the team's former manager, during an interview about his own future if he fails to secure a UEFA Champions League spot this season.
Currently, Liverpool is 6th in the Premier League table, trailing the top-four places by 5 points. Although the 5th place may still secure a UCL spot, recent form is concerning, with only one win in the last seven league matches before tonight's away game against Sunderland.
Sakho candidly admitted that missing out on the Champions League would be an "unacceptable" season for the club.
"If we don't make it to the Champions League, it definitely won't be a satisfactory season," the Dutch coach said.
"When I took over, we signed only Federico Chiesa after the club had just played in the Europa League, which clearly influenced the club's management approach."
However, when asked whether missing the UCL would affect his position, Sakho cited the 2022-23 season when Liverpool finished 5th and missed out on the Champions League spot, yet Jürgen Klopp was still given the chance to rebuild the team, revamping the midfield by signing Dominic Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo.
"It's a difficult question because I'm not the one deciding my future," Sakho said.
"The only thing I know is that it has happened before, not long ago, and it did not affect that manager's future. But of course, that doesn't guarantee anything."
These remarks led some fans to observe that Sakho is referencing Klopp again, after previously responding to questions in ways linked to the beloved former manager, sparking criticism that he is using Klopp's name as a shield against pressure.
Nevertheless, given the current league standings and the club's nearly £450 million summer investment, the race to reach the Champions League in the final stretch of the season may be Arne Sakho's most crucial test since becoming Liverpool's head coach.