Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp delivered an impassioned speech to his players after their 2-0 victory over Wolves, tipping them for another clash for Premier League glory against Manchester City.
It was the German’s final game at the helm of the Reds before his departure. After the match, Anfield showed its appreciation for Klopp, who returned the praise in a post-match talk to the fans and even sang incoming manager Arne Slot’s name, and also had kind words for his team in the dressing room.
In footage released by the club on social media, a visibly moved Klopp expressed his fond feelings towards the players. “I love you, that’s what I can say,” he confessed to stars including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and a tearful Trent Alexander-Arnold – before making a point about newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City.
READ MORE: ‘I don’t feel sad at Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool – it’s time to celebrate’
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp waves Anfield goodbye as he leads a chant for new boss Arne Slot
Klopp told his players: “The football you are able to play is absolutely ridiculous. I can’t wait to be watching you, developing, making next steps…”
The 56-year-old asked who had clinched the league on the last day of the season – with Pep Guardiola’s side and second placed Arsenal both in the running – and was told “City”. Klopp responded: “Well, the only ones who stopped them do that was us [in 2019-20], and you can do that again,” reports the Mirror.
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(Image: Liverpool FC)
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He concluded his speech stating: “There might be some people who say [third place] is not enough I tell you, they don’t have a clue about football.”
“Could we have had better moments? Yes, of course, that’s always possible. But did we do better than you can usually expect? Oh yes, because it takes longer to become a top team again.”
“And you did that [clicks] like this and that’s why expectations go [up gesture] like this and then we couldn’t keep the pace. That’s the problem a little bit.”
(Image: Liverpool FC)
With Arne Slot tipped to take the reins after Klopp’s exit, the gaffer himself has high hopes for the squad’s future. He added: “Coming third in the first season with Liverpool 2.0, and from now on with new energy from outside, with new influences, with new push, proving yourself, that’s good for squeezing everything out of your career.
“I love you. It was absolutely outstanding, thank you for the ride. I’m so proud of you, I’m so proud that I was allowed to be a part of this, thank you very much. And the sky’s the limit for you boys. Thank you.”
After wrapping up his heartfelt speech, Klopp was met with a rousing response. The entire dressing room burst into applause, some even cheering as he stepped back, marking the end of an era.