Jurgen Klopp exiting Anfield stage, but his legacy as Liverpool manager will live on

LONDON – When Jurgen Klopp addressed the media for the first time as Liverpool manager in October 2015, he spoke of turning doubters into believers. Nearly a decade and multiple trophies later, he will leave with his mission accomplished, and much more.

As the German prepares for the 491st and final game of his reign against Wolverhampton Wanderers on what will be an emotional afternoon at Anfield on May 19, it is impossible to overstate Klopp’s impact on the club and the city.

“What he has done is incredible, not just for the club but for this city,” said John Pearman, founder and editor of the Red All Over The Land fanzine.

“We’ll never see his like again.”

Klopp did not only return the club back to the pinnacle of English and European football, he embodied the Scouse spirit of a city that always regards itself as a bit different.

On the pitch, his high-octane heavy-metal football delivered eight trophies – including a first English League title for 30 years, a Champions League crown and a Club World Cup.

Off it, Klopp grasped the psyche of the city’s residents and showed empathy and compassion, always managing to retain an admirable sense of perspective.

As a mark of the bond between Klopp and Liverpool, he was given Freedom of the City status in 2022 – a ceremony attended by Margaret Aspinall, former chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, which campaigned for justice for the victims of the 1989 tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 97 fans.

“The families have had a lot of sadness but the joy he has brought us, the excitement he gives you, you forget all your sadness, that’s what he does,” Aspinall said.

Liverpool have had some great managers but Pearman also said that Klopp will be held in the same esteem as Bill Shankly, who famously said: “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death... I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

Klopp would not echo those words, although the passion he brought to his job bordered on the fanatical, with his trademark touchline sprints to celebrate goals.

He treated his players like close family, while he would invariably be the last to leave the pitch in victory, or defeat, as he saluted his adoring fans.

The 56-year-old will be a tough act to follow, but leaves Liverpool in good health with a crop of talented youngsters already making their mark alongside serial winners like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah.

It is a far cry from when he arrived to replace Brendan Rodgers with Liverpool in 10th place in the Premier League and the fans disillusioned.

Klopp’s final chapter threatened to be a glorious one as his side chased an unlikely quadruple this season, but they had to settle for just a League Cup triumph over Chelsea.

However, as he prepares to walk away, there are no regrets.

“I know we could have won more but I cannot change that, so I am absolutely fine,” said Klopp on May 17, before reflecting on his last week at the club.

“Most intense week of my life, definitely. I said ‘goodbye’ so often this week. We don’t have to pretend it’s a normal week because it’s not. Saying goodbye I don’t think is ever nice but saying goodbye without feeling sad or hurt... (it means) we had a great time.

“A decade in your life is a massive one and I will not forget a day in that time because I met the best people I ever met and I did it for the best club I could’ve imagined in a wonderful, very special city.”

Looking ahead, Arne Slot confirmed on the same day that he would be replacing Klopp as manager of Liverpool next season. The Dutchman’s Feyenoord side have been playing an attacking brand of football and the 45-year-old won praise from Klopp himself.

But ultimately, the new boss has big shoes to fill. REUTERS, AFP