Watzke backs Klopp long-term

Borussia Dortmund chief Hans-Joachim Watzke wants to retain the long-term services of Bundesliga-winning coach Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp, 44, last month penned a contract extension that will tie him to Dortmund until 2016.

The length of the new deal means Klopp could expect a large severance package if Dortmund opted to dismiss him prior to his contract expiring.

But Watzke does not anticipate parting company with the man who guided Dortmund to their first league title since 2002.

“I assume very little in life,” Watzke said.

“But I can rule out that before 2016 I might say to Jurgen Klopp, ‘We must part ways.'”

“We are absolutely convinced of Jurgen. I’ve known him for four years, I know how he works and have total confidence in him.”

“We gave Jurgen a long-term contract because we will be able to survive the hard spells.”

Klopp joined Dortmund from Mainz in 2008 and is already the second most successful coach in the club’s history, behind Ottmar Hitzfeld, in terms of Bundesliga victories.