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Peter Krawietz reckons Jurgen Klopp's choice to depart Liverpool has been completely justified after watching the Reds clinch the Premier League crown under Arne Slot last campaign - having missed out on the title himself back in 2018-18.
The beloved German caused a seismic shock throughout the soccer community when he revealed in January 2024 that he would resign as manager at the season's conclusion following nine trophy-filled years.
While Klopp guided Liverpool to Carabao Cup success in his farewell campaign, the Merseysiders ultimately came up short in their Premier League pursuit as their bid crumbled during the closing stages of the term. However, that didn't prevent Slot from securing the championship in his debut season at the helm after taking over from Klopp, with Federico Chiesa representing the sole new arrival to his inherited roster.
Krawietz, who operated as Klopp's right-hand man at both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool following their initial collaboration at Mainz 05, departed his position with the Reds alongside the German and the remainder of his coaching team at the conclusion of the previous season.
Having witnessed his former employers capture the title, he considers passing on the baton at that moment was the optimal choice for all parties concerned.
"We handed over a team that wasn't yet fully developed, but in which a lot of things were already right," he told GOAL.
"A new coach could then be immediately successful with fresh energy and three, four, or five minor or major adjustments.
"It was always our wish that, ideally, that we would leave behind a structure that the club could then build upon.
"We believe we've achieved this, and we're extremely pleased as a result."
Whilst Krawietz may have no regrets regarding his Liverpool departure, there remains one aspect of his tenure with the Reds he would alter - the conclusion of the 2018-19 Premier League title race.
The Reds, who subsequently claimed the Champions League that campaign, concluded the season with an impressive 97 points yet were pipped to the title by Manchester City by just a single point, with their sole defeat occurring at the Etihad.
Denied a goal in a 2-1 loss to Pep Guardiola's outfit by the narrowest of goal-line clearances from John Stones, in retrospect, it represented the only obstacle preventing the Reds from achieving an Invincibles campaign while being crowned both domestic and European champions.
"There was a season in which we got 97 points – which was one point too few in the end," Krawietz reflected.
"Even today, I'd still love to have won that one."
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