Danke Schön, Jurgen

“It’s not so important what people think when you come in, it’s much more important what people think when you leave.” These were the words of the German as he first stepped into the Anfield press room in 2015. Nine years later, he is set to depart Liverpool leaving a legacy behind.

Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Liverpool has been the most exciting and memorable football that I have ever seen and followed at Anfield in the 25 years I’ve lived. He’s delivered success on and off the pitch; from trophies to academy graduates. He’s given excitement back to not only the club but the city. Quite rightly, he was rewarded as ‘Freedom of the city of Liverpool’ in 2022. In Klopps’ words: “I couldn’t be more prouder to have been honoured with a Liverpudlian.. I am home here and I will be grateful forever.”

Back in 2015, Klopp inherited a squad with no vision or potential to succeed at the highest of levels. He took over in October and by the end of the season had them runners-up in the League Cup and Europa League. There was no sudden overhaul at the club, instead Klopp made his mark steadily buying relatively unsung players like Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum from lower down the Premier League.

As Klopp’s team began to climb up the table, hope was restored into the Kop End that decades without a league title would soon end. It’s not just his management on the pitch that gets noticed, his engagement with the Liverpool faithful is distinctive. The trademark fist pumps to the Kop end after a game, sending personal letters to fans who were in need of a positive lift. I recall Klopp lining the whole squad up in front of the home end having battled to a 2-2 draw with West Brom – not the finest of results but one nonetheless that reunited the team and the club.

Jurgen Klopp and his team line-up towards the Kop Stand after a draw with West Brom (The Mirror)

With Champions League football reinstated at Anfield, it meant Liverpool could make world-class additions to the squad. Klopp and the recruitment team were mindful of who to sign and delicately went about their transfer business. They cherry-picked players that hadn’t quite set the world alight; Andy Robertson from a relegated Hull side for £10m whilst Egyptian Mo Salah was signed for £37m whom had ripped the Liverpool defence to shreds the season before. If you look at the squad now, not many were high in value like the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea can afford. Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson were the exceptions – £75m and £65m respectively. These signings helped finely tune and transform the squad, elevating the team instantaneously.

The focus on youth has always been an important aspect of Liverpool’s work. Klopp had continued to keep that pathway open during his tenure. When it was clear Nathaniel Clyne was never going to reach the heights and levels expected as a Red, Klopp put his faith and trust in developing a young emerging Trent Alexander-Arnold rather than purchase a ready-made right-back. In the long-term what a move that was to be. The No.66 is now vice-captain, accumulated over 300 appearances for his boyhood club and is renowned for his crossing ability.

Trent Alexander-Arnold making his debut in 2016 (This is Anfield)

When Jurgen Klopp started his reign, he maintained the prestige set by the club. No player could touch the famous ‘This is Anfield’ sign until they had earned it. They needed to succeed; they needed a trophy.

The heartbreak of 2017/18 Champions League Final when the Reds were thrashed 5-2 by Real Madrid; a final to forgot for goalkeeper Loris Karius. Klopp rejuvenated the side, made a few signings before going again the following season. 97 points on the board would be good enough most seasons for the title but could only leave Liverpool in second place. Justice was rewarded though as the club lifted their sixth Champions League trophy at Istanbul against Spurs at the end of the season. A dramatic CL campaign, one book ended by strikes from Mo Salah and Divock Origi.

Liverpool are crowned Champions League Champions in 2019 (The New York Times)

Success continued as Liverpool lifted their first title in 30 years, albeit in an empty stadium due to Covid lockdown. Burnout was a result. Injuries piled up and makeshift defence of rotation players Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips ensured a 3rd place finish, a CL place only confirmed on the final day of the season thanks to a last gasp header from goalkeeper Alisson. Nevertheless, Klopp reenergised and re-lifted his squad as they fought on all fronts for the elusive quadruple. Lifting the FA and League cup was all they could manage as they lost out to Man City on the final day of the season before succumbing to defeat to the hands of Real Madrid once again.

It is only fitting that Liverpool enjoy a successful season as Klopp’s last. They are currently top of the table and still in all cup competitions. As the man himself says, “this wonderful book we have wrote together, I would love to put a few more chapters in it.”

“Managing Liverpool is a fairytale, you dedicate your whole life to it.” It was quite the shock when Klopp announced his departure. “I am running out of energy” worries me despite him playing down any rumours of illness. What I do know is he will go down a Liverpool legend. As was the case when Bill Shankly left, there are certainly big shoes to fill in.

Thank you for everything, Jurgen. Now let’s go out with a bang!

You’ll Never Walk Alone.