Liverpool, England — In many ways, it was business as usual for Jurgen Klopp. The Liverpool manager touched the iconic “This is Anfield” sign in the tunnel, patrolled the field during warmups with his hands behind his back, and acknowledged fans with a heartfelt wave and tap to his chest.
But this was no ordinary day.
Sunday’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton marked the end of Klopp’s nearly nine-year tenure at Liverpool, a period in which he transformed the club and led them to seven major trophies. As the pre-match rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoed through the stadium, Klopp was in full game mode.
“This morning I woke up,” Klopp said before the match, “and I was completely in game mode.”
The day was a tribute to Klopp, who has forged a deep connection with the city and its fans, drawing comparisons to legendary manager Bill Shankly. Emotions ran high throughout the afternoon, with fans lining the streets outside Anfield to welcome Klopp and his players. A paper mosaic spelling “JURGEN” adorned the stands.
In a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Klopp embraced the occasion, saying, “People are calling it The Last Dance. So let’s dance.” Liverpool delivered, securing one final victory for Klopp with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah.
Klopp’s farewell was marked by heartfelt embraces with his backroom staff and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil after the final whistle. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was visibly emotional, shedding tears as he hugged Klopp near the center circle.
Despite the victory, Liverpool finished third in the Premier League standings, nine points behind champions Manchester City. Yet, the day was a celebration of Klopp’s remarkable impact on the club, both on and off the pitch.
As Klopp leaves Anfield, his legacy as a transformative figure in Liverpool’s storied history is firmly cemented. The fans, the players, and the city will always remember his contributions with profound gratitude. – AP
