- Liverpool icons have recorded a special farewell message for Jurgen Klopp
- The German is set to take charge of his final Liverpool match on Sunday
- Marcus Rashford has to leave Man United… and a Premier League club could offer him a fresh start – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast
Liverpool legends past and present have paid tribute to Jurgen Klopp‘s sensational career at the club, with Steven Gerrard, Mohamed Salah and Kenny Dalglish all involved in filming an emotional farewell message.
Klopp will step out at Anfield for the final time on Sunday as Wolves travel to Liverpool for the last game of the season.
The Reds boss will then leave the club after deciding to take time out of management following nine years at the club. Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has confirmed he will become Klopp’s successor at the club.
Klopp has gained legendary status by delivering trophy success across every major competition, including delivering Liverpool’s first Premier League title, after arriving in 2015.
His longevity at the club has seen Klopp work with a host of players, while also building strong relationships with Liverpool icons and endearing himself to supporters for the success he has delivered and love for the city.
Now, superstar players from his current squad and former Liverpool star’s have come together to film a special leaving message for Klopp alongside Sky Sports, that left the departing boss emotional ahead of his final game.
Former legendary captain, Gerrard, was one of the first to give his feelings on Klopp’s tenure and insisted the club must erect a statue of him in the near future.
Gerrard missed the opportunity to play under Klopp having left the club under previous manager Brendan Rodgers, but has still been able to build a friendship and working relationship with the Liverpool chief.
Commenting on Klopp’s time at the club, Gerrard said: ‘The excitement started straight from the first press conference. After that first interview, you were almost shadow boxing in the mirror thinking “come on then, game on”‘.
‘We were invited to represent the first-team myself and Jamie in Australia for an exhibition match. We got a small segment of what it would be like when he’s standing in front of you and giving you tactics.
‘I remember sitting there thinking to myself, “I would pay any amount of money and do anything for anyone if I could represent this guy for one year”. That’s what I was thinking when I was sitting in the room. This was a friendly match but I flew into that game like it was a cup final.
‘I hope to god there’s a statue and I hope it’s nearly ready because I think he deserves that stature at the club. You mention all the managers that have delivered huge prizes at Liverpool, he is right up there amongst the very best,’ he added.
Fellow Liverpool icon, Carragher, also hailed Klopp’s achievements at Liverpool and stated the 56-year-old is one of the best manager’s ever, adding: ‘I just think of Klopp and the nights I had with my son, the night in Madrid winning the Champions League and they stay with you for life.
‘That is what Klopp has done for a new generation of supporters. He is right up there at the top.
‘The number one for Liverpool is Bill Shankly and I almost feel like Klopp is the Shankly of this era and that’s a really big legacy,’ said Carragher.
Meanwhile, club icon Dalglish – who delivered success as both a player and manager at Anfield – recalled the moment Klopp was appointed and his favourite moment of his reign.
‘When he was appointed I said we better get our seatbelts fastened as we’re going for a big ride and it’s going to be fantastic.
‘When we won the Premiership [was the most special moment] and the presentation was here, the Kop – although it was empty – still nice to have it in the Kop,’ he said.
A host of current Liverpool stars – including Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold – all gave their reaction to Klopp being set to leave the club and commented on his impact on them as players and people.
Egyptian star Salah – who recently clashed with the Liverpool boss on the touchline – explained Klopp will be a friend for life.
‘He improved me as a player but for sure we help each other a lot and give everything for the club to win trophies.
‘The thing I take from it as a human being is if I am in trouble I can give him a call and ask his opinion. We will keep that relationship for life and will stay in contact forever,’ said Salah.