Man>Manager
A follow-up on Jürgen Norbert Klopp. 26.1.24 — a date I’ll never forget | by SS | Medium.
A day after Klopp’s final bow as Liverpool manager, I find myself compelled to write about the man once again.
In the lead-up to the Wolves match, I immersed myself in a Klopp media marathon. As expected, Twitter was flooded with tributes and news about him. It was unavoidable. Many interviews were released, and I spent hours watching them before bed, even falling asleep to one. Clearly, Klopp was emotional, but he wanted his departure to be one of celebration and gratitude. Everything he said felt impactful, moving me even when he was just yapping away.
On the morning of May 19, 2024, I woke up feeling odd, knowing I would never wake up to another Klopp matchday again. The anticipation that had excited me for nine years was on its final leg. I hoped there would be some form of appreciation at Anfield, like a mosaic, and thankfully, something was planned. Still, I thought they could have done better with it. I wondered what he would wear, hoping he’d don his iconic glasses, but that was wishful thinking.
Klopp arrived at his final Anfield outing in a basic black Liverpool top, not even his usual tracksuit or hoodie. The support was incredible, with thousands lining the streets hours before the match to send him off in style. It looked like a Champions League semi-final.
As the teams lined up, Klopp clearly tried to use joy and laughter as coping mechanisms. His chant started even before the teams walked out and continued until YNWA. Despite it being his last pre-match YNWA, he seemed unfazed, focused on his duties. Anfield was electric, chanting the names of his players from yesteryear — Bobby, Hendo, Sadio, Origi, Mo, VVD, and more — bringing back memories of the glorious times between 2018 and 2020.
The game itself felt strange, with nothing to fight for. I hoped whoever scored would celebrate with Klopp, but it didn’t happen. We witnessed the last Klopp halftime tunnel sprint, and soon enough, we were reaching the final minutes. His chant echoed around Anfield for the last 10 minutes, though I wished they had paused it for the end game YNWA, a tradition under Klopp.
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At the final whistle, he hugged his departing coaches. It was over, just like that. I muttered a quick thanks to God and smiled, grateful for all the joy he had brought us. As Klopp made his way to the pitch, you could see how deeply affected the players were, especially Van Dijk. Neither would have reached legendary status without the other. Van Dijk, shoulders slouched and sadness evident, teared up on Klopp’s shoulder, reluctant to let go. Yet, Klopp remained jovial.
Seeing Klopp’s happiness gave me the strength to stay calm, though my throat dried up, making it difficult. The team returned with a guard of honor for the outgoing staff in identical jumpers. When Thiago walked up, looking like he was on the verge of tears, I almost lost it. Klopp’s only already world-class signing — what a joy he was to watch, despite how things panned out for him.
As the coaches exited one by one, we reached the final two: Pep and Klopp. What a duo. Pep the coach, Klopp the manager — our brand of football was their legacy. I hope Pep breaks records with Salzburg. When Klopp was left alone in the tunnel, I hoped he’d touch the “This Is Anfield” sign one last time, but he didn’t.
His final walk out of the tunnel as manager was through the guard of honor again, mirroring his Dortmund farewell. His excitement during his speech made it hard to stay engaged while everyone else grappled with their emotions.
‘ARNE SLOT! LA LA LA LALA!’ I had no clue what he said in that moment. I thought it was ‘JURGEN KLOPP!’… but there was no chant like that which existed. Apparently and visibly, the whole stadium thought likewise and did’nt say ARNE SLOT. Even Martin Tyler said something about Slot right after and I was so confused. Did they announce Slot on socials or something? But anyways, what a moment. It was a smart move by Klopp, subtly endorsing his successor, knowing we’d back his choice.
After his speech, we experienced the final Klopp fist pumps, more powerful than ever. In typical Klopp fashion, the team stood before the Kop to sing YNWA — perhaps for the last time. When I saw Trent, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I sobbed for a few minutes, overwhelmed by memories of Klopp’s journey, our shared highs and lows, and my personal growth during his tenure.
On that, if I deep it enough, I don’t think I would be doing what I do now if not for Klopp. Just imagine, Liverpool in a terrible state in 2015–16, when I was 15–16, about to make a decision on which path of education I want to take in 2017. No chance I would have picked Sport Science as a career path. I don’t even know if I would be as passionate about football if not for Klopp.
Truth is, I don’t think I even had the thought of Sport Science before the Klopp era. He shaped my ideas and love for sports and football, and of course, the club. Somehow, I am a football scientist today. Seriously, Klopp had a part to play in my career and decisions and I thank him for that. I’ve always been one to follow my passion and that passion for football wouldn’t be burning if not for all the fun we had together Kloppo…
I’m incredibly thankful to have met Klopp, gotten a selfie, and a signed scarf. He went out of his way to engage with fans, embodying his genuine nature. Interestingly, every coach I took a photo with, also left the club. Klopp’s era at Liverpool may have ended, but his impact on my life and the club will last forever.
