In 2015, Jurgen Klopp was announced as the new manager of Liverpool. Many felt that a new era was on the horizon at Liverpool, and many believed that Klopp would be the man to lead Liverpool into whatever lay ahead.
Two weeks later, I would play my first match in the “Klopp era” as Liverpool faced Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. There were signs of what Klopp could bring to Anfield with fast-paced attacking football, but it was clear there was plenty to change on and off the pitch to get Liverpool back to the top of the footballing mountain.
Klopp summed up the match in his own words in his post-match press conference: “It wasn’t a masterclass but it wasn’t the worst day of my life.” Klopp knew the challenge was before him, but it was not impossible to meet it.
Fast forward 9 years, I would attend my final match of the Klopp era against Crystal Palace at Anfield. Unfortunately the game ended in defeat, but that didn’t overshadow the emotion I felt being at Anfield for the last time under Jurgen Klopp. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, nothing could hold up to the feeling of fulfillment that Klopp brought to Liverpool fans everywhere. Therefore, I would do nothing to give Jurgen the send-off he deserves on the final day of the season.
Even though the match kicked off at 4 p.m., the streets and roads surrounding the ground were busy from midday onwards. There was a real buzz before the game, even though there was no real result on our season, so many people were happy to give Klopp the farewell he really deserved after what he did to us given over the years.
As I headed towards Anfield Road it felt like we were at Wembley before a cup final. The streets were filled with supporters, head to toe dressed in Liverpool clothing, with flags and scarves spread all over the street. Many people tried to get the best view from neighboring buildings. As the team’s coaches walked up the street, flares went off all over the street, making my eyes sting and my nostrils flaring, but at the moment it had no effect. importance, because all I cared about was being there with Liverpool. fans, celebrating Klopp’s success.
Once the coach entered the stadium, it was clear that I would not be alone outside the pitch celebrating Klopp’s reign. At the Anfield Road Hotel it almost felt like a party with all the people coming inside. There were shops selling goods, street vendors and in front of the building a Bavarian Oompah band played Liverpool songs from Klopp’s tenure.
After finding a seat and settling down with a cold pint in the warm heat of the spring, it was time to watch Klopp’s final game as Liverpool manager. I don’t remember much about the match, as I was still in awe of how many people had also turned up outside the pitch to watch the Reds play under Klopp for the last time. With twenty minutes to go the pub started singing the songs we’ve all been singing for nine years and as we reached the end of Klopp’s time hundreds of Liverpool fans started singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone. .
This moment sums up Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool. He arrived at a club in turmoil, but he allowed us to rediscover the pleasure of football. He allowed us to believe in things we previously thought impossible. He brought new life to Liverpool, full of joy and happiness and that’s exactly what I saw, sitting there in the spring warmth that Sunday evening. Because Liverpool supporters were not sad to see Klopp leave, but happy to have been able to share the good times with him.
So Jurgen, thank you for the journey you have brought me and all other Liverpool fans, and thank you for turning me from a skeptic to a believer.
