Image source: Liverpool fc
Introduction
In a heartfelt and emotional farewell, Jürgen Klopp addressed the media for the last time as Liverpool’s manager. After nearly a decade at the helm, Klopp’s tenure concluded with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, marking his 491st game and his 305th win. Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah ensured a fitting end to Klopp’s unforgettable reign. Here’s every word from Klopp’s final press conference, capturing the essence of his deep connection with Liverpool Football Club and its supporters.
On the Uncommon Farewell and Emotional Send-Off
Reflecting on the extraordinary nature of his departure, Klopp acknowledged the unique relationship he shares with the Liverpool fans.
“No, I don’t think it’s normal,” he began. “I knew for a long time already that our relationship was pretty special, I love that. I really think that the people made a difference for this club. How I said, these people are the superpower of this club, these people keep the club going, these people push the club, these people carry the club through difficult moments. These people are the club.”
Klopp’s tenure, which spanned nearly a decade, saw Liverpool through numerous highs and a few lows. He pointed out that for many young fans, he has been the only Liverpool manager they have known.
“It was absolutely crazy. Kids who today were in the stadium, kids of the staff who were today in the stadium and I saw after the game, they don’t know another manager of Liverpool FC. That’s how it is – they just think I was always there and will always be there and now I’m gone.”
Image source: Liverpool fc
On Managing His Emotions
Klopp confessed that he had been preparing himself emotionally for the departure. “I expected… I was a bit afraid of a breakdown. I had one or two moments during the week where it was not great and during the game the last few minutes were tricky, but the general feeling today was it felt more like a start than an end because I know the goodbye is about me but in general it is about the team.”
He expressed his pride in the team’s progress and their potential for the future. “I saw a wonderful team and I saw a wonderful team on the way. I saw a team who is ahead of schedule in their development. It’s a tough league and you never know where you start again but I saw just a good football team, and I saw all the young players who saved our backside a couple of times this year and none of them besides Conor [Bradley] and Jarell – Jarell played and Conor was on the bench and the others were all not involved today. They are there as well and that’s what gave me the feeling of, ‘OK, job done.'”
A Fond Farewell For Klopp’s Legacy
Klopp reiterated his deep affection for Liverpool and its supporters, yet acknowledged the necessity of his departure. “I love you all, I love all and everything about the club but it’s time for me to go. But look, it’s not burning behind me and that gives me a good feeling. It’s not that you think, ‘Come on, get out of here!’ So, I know I can come back and I will come back and how I said after the game, from today, from three hours ago when the game finished, I’m a Liverpool supporter and I love that.”
Image source: Liverpool fc
On the Emotional Impact of the Week
Klopp described the overwhelming emotional impact of his final week. “Everything impacted me. It was fantastic. How I said, the boys showed class. It’s difficult to deal with these kinds of things. I could not use the exit of the AXA Training Centre, I cannot go out there, I would still stand there and sign autographs. The people show me so much love, that’s fine.”
Despite the attention being challenging, Klopp emphasized his gratitude. “It’s really difficult to take. It’s so positive and I wish it would be for somebody else and I would be his best friend. That would be great – my best friend gets all this attention. But I get all the attention, that’s really tricky to take, to be honest. I just try to get through this and there will be a moment when nobody asks me anymore, nobody looks at me anymore and I just go down for a few hours or days, I don’t know, we will see that.”
A Tribute to His Staff
Klopp paid tribute to his staff, highlighting that his success was a collective effort. “But today it was wonderful. I want to thank everybody. I love how we said goodbye to the staff, how the players said goodbye to the staff. For the public, it’s Jürgen Klopp, Jürgen Klopp, Jürgen Klopp, Jürgen Klopp. But Jürgen Klopp is Pep Lijnders, Jürgen Klopp is Peter Krawietz, Jürgen Klopp is Vitor Matos, Jürgen Klopp is John Achterberg, Jack Robinson, [Claudio] Taffarel, Jürgen Klopp is Andreas Kornmayer, Andreas Schlumberger. Jürgen Klopp is so much more than Jürgen Klopp. I alone would have done absolutely nothing.”
He continued, “It’s really nice how the people did that today because everybody felt really appreciated. I don’t have a lack of appreciation, obviously, everybody shows me in the first moments and tell me they will miss me. I’m happy that all the other guys got their attention as well.”
On the Celebration and Future Plans
Klopp looked forward to celebrating with his family and team. “It was an absolutely incredible and wonderful time. I love it. My family was on the pitch, which was nice, really nice. Now we will have a party and then we will come back next for another event. And I will come back occasionally just, how I said, as a supporter now, and I’m fine with that, honestly.”
However, he noted that he might not be present for the start of the next season. “Maybe not for the first game of the season – that’s early, wow! Maybe after the second international break or something like this. What can I say? There must be a difference if the things go bad, always worse, worse, worse or if the things go well and go. I’m really happy that we could have done it like that – that we did it that way. Third, that’s alright.”
On His Immediate Plans Post-Departure
Klopp admitted he was unsure about his immediate plans after leaving Liverpool. “I have no clue. Packing probably, I think so but I don’t know. I have enough things to do. [A] private life must be planned and I didn’t plan anything yet because I was here. Probably Ulla will update me where we go and stuff like this but I follow happily. But I have no clue what’s coming. I know we have a party tonight – that’s what I know.”
On His Future in Football
Addressing his future in football, Klopp reiterated his intention to step away from management. “I don’t know exactly why nobody believes I probably will not be a manager again, but I understand because obviously it seems to be a drug, looks like because everybody comes back and everyone works until they are 70-something.”
He explained his decision, emphasizing the need for a break. “I always had the idea that I will not do that that long. Look, other people are smarter, other people can do it in different ways. I have to be all-in, I have to be the spark, I have to be the energy, I have to be all these kind of things and I’m empty. That’s it.”
Klopp humorously added, “My biggest worry today was John Achterberg was coughing all the time next to me and I thought I would wake up tomorrow morning and I’m ill because he did his coughing in my direction. I have to start with the rest now and then we will see.”
He concluded by dismissing any immediate plans for a return. “But it’s not now that I feel now already and [think about] maybe the next opportunity. You only have to look outside which clubs are obviously available and stuff like this. There will be opportunities but I don’t sit here and think, ‘Maybe in a year’s time I take that.’ In this moment, see you later.”
Klopp’s 9 years Legacy journey :Liverpool fc
Conclusion
Jürgen Klopp’s final press conference as Liverpool manager was a poignant reflection on his time with the club. His words conveyed his deep affection for Liverpool, his appreciation for the support he received, and his confidence in the team’s future. As he steps away from management, Klopp leaves behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and unforgettable memories for Liverpool and its fans. The club, its supporters, and football as a whole will always remember Jürgen Klopp not just as a manager, but as a legend who transformed dreams into reality.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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