Jurgen Klopp’s tenure as manager of Liverpool Football Club has come to an end after nine incredible years. From his energetic and infectious first press conference in 2015 to his emotional farewell, Klopp has left an indelible mark on the club and its fans.
Throughout his time at Liverpool, Klopp instilled a relentless work ethic in his players. He emphasized the importance of conquering the ball, running more, and fighting harder than the opposition. This philosophy paid off, as Klopp led Liverpool to seven major trophies, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Carabao Cup in 2020.
But Klopp’s impact went far beyond the trophy cabinet. He fostered a sense of unity and togetherness within the squad, creating a style of play that was loved by both players and fans alike. His coaching staff, including Pep Lijnders and Vitor Matos, played a crucial role in shaping this style of play and will be missed.
As Klopp bids farewell, he acknowledges the departures of players like Joel Matip and Thiago, who will leave as free agents. He speaks highly of Matip, praising his likable personality and world-class talent. For Klopp, there are no regrets about what might have been – he believes they achieved all they could during their time together.
Reflecting on his favorite moments at Liverpool, Klopp points to the atmosphere created by the fans during the Carabao Cup triumph over Chelsea in 2020. He recalls the special bond that was formed between the team and the supporters on that night. He also highlights the team’s performance against Manchester City in a 1-1 draw as their best display, showcasing their ability to control a game against a top opponent.
Klopp also remembers the spectacular comeback against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final in 2019, where Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit to win 4-3 on aggregate. He cherishes Alisson’s late header against West Brom in May 2021 as the best goal and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner that led to Divock Origi’s goal against Barcelona as the best assist.
While Klopp’s trophy haul may not do justice to his achievements, he remains proud of what they accomplished. Despite narrowly missing out on the Premier League title twice to Manchester City, Klopp believes their near-misses only prove their quality. He knows he gave his all and could not have done anything differently.
As Klopp says goodbye to Anfield, he reflects on the power of the fans and their impact on the club. He acknowledges that it was the people who made Liverpool exceptional and that Anfield is a special place because of them. He is moved by the letters and emails he has received from supporters, knowing that their lives were changed by his time at the club.
Looking to the future, Klopp is at peace with his decision to leave Liverpool. He takes with him fantastic memories, friendships, and relationships that will last a lifetime. While he doesn’t believe the club will need his help in the future, he is ready to support the city if they ever need him.
As Klopp receives a canvas depicting some of the greatest nights of his tenure, it is clear that his time at Liverpool was anything but a waste. He utilized every opportunity, enjoyed every moment, and met some of the best people in his life. Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool will be remembered for his passion, his achievements, and his ability to bring people together. It has been an honor to follow his journey every step of the way.