Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has expressed his disappointment with how Erik ten Hag handled Jadon Sancho’s situation at Manchester United, especially after the winger's loan move to Chelsea.
Klopp believes that managers should show more faith in their players, even when the world turns against them.
"The manager should be behind the player," says Klopp
Klopp, speaking about Sancho’s departure, appeared to criticize Ten Hag’s decision, stating,
"If the whole world loses trust and faith in the player, the manager has to be the one behind the player. I cannot just buy into that ‘he's useless,’ like other clubs did by the way—buying a player for £80 million and then sending him out on loan!"
The German manager’s remarks point to the fact that United paid a significant fee for Sancho, only for him to be loaned out after struggling at Old Trafford.
Klopp’s words seem to highlight the importance of standing by players during tough times, a principle he’s followed throughout his career.
MORE: All the latest Liverpool news | Premier League schedule for 2024/25 | Latest Premier League top scorer rankings
Chelsea's financial gamble on Sancho
Sancho’s loan move to Chelsea comes with a mandatory purchase clause. If the Blues finish above 15th in the Premier League, they will be required to buy the winger for a fee ranging between £20-25 million ($26.3-32.9m).
According to reports, Chelsea were thrilled with the deal, seeing it as a win-win—either Sancho will flourish at Stamford Bridge, or the club can sell him on for a similar fee.
Sancho also accepted a pay cut to join Chelsea, helping the club reduce their wage bill. Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, reportedly believes Sancho has the qualities to be a valuable asset, both as a winger and a goal scorer.