Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admits the club could have won more silverware during his time in charge.
The German manager is preparing to say goodbye on Merseyside this weekend, ending nine years in the dugout.
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Klopp has guided the Reds to a huge amount of success during his stay, including the Premier League and Champions League.
But he was left wondering what could have been in his final pre-match press conference.
He said: “I know we could have won more, but I can’t change that. I couldn’t have done anything differently.
“I love Anfield to bits, I love it when it’s full. I hope it isn’t a picture for the future, me alone in the stadium!
“Anfield is a super special place, because of the people. The people make it.
Tune in to Jürgen Klopp’s final pre-match press conference as Reds boss as we look ahead to our final game of the season 🎙️ https://t.co/Gf3oCYpMXa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 17, 2024
“The best football we played was against Man City this season, we never controlled City like we did that day.
“We have won before, in different games, but never put them under pressure like that before.
“Most spectacular performance – Barcelona [in 2019 Champions League semi-final second leg].
“Best goal – Alisson Becker [against West Brom in 2021]. Best assist – Trent Alexander-Arnold against Barca. Best save – Alisson against Napoli. Best backheel goal – Sadio Mane.”
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Goodbye for now
A new era is dawning on Anfield with Arne Slot expected to take over from Klopp.
He was previously linked with the Tottenham job before opting to stay at Feyenoord last season but is now ready to make the step up in the Premier League.
But Liverpool have one last match to enjoy under Klopp before he walks down the tunnel for one final time.
They take on Wolves and the 56-year-old admits it has been hard for him to prepare for the match as he has been focusing on saying goodbye to everyone at the training ground.
“Have you ever seen a better free transfer” ❤️
Jurgen Klopp praises Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara ahead of the pair leaving Liverpool in the summer 🔴 pic.twitter.com/e4kMSEycYZ
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 17, 2024
He added: “[It’s been the] most intense week of my life, saying goodbyes to so many people. We don’t have to pretend it’s a normal week.
“The game, I’m a pragmatic person, this is the final game then holiday, so it’s business as usual, but while knowing everything will be different.
“The players said goodbye yesterday, we had a barbecue, a goodbye celebration. I don’t know exactly how many shirts I signed last week, I think now everyone has one.
“Saying goodbye is never nice, saying it without feeling hurt would mean the time together was not great, and I had a great time.”
Don’t forget the fans
Klopp is adored by Liverpool fans and their connection with the club is what makes it such a special atmosphere at Anfield.
The former Borussia Dortmund head coach was well-known for celebrating passionately and he always made a habit out of first pumping in front of the Kop end.
“Saying goodbye I don’t think is ever nice”
Jurgen Klopp on his final farewell to Liverpool and how it’s going to be tough for him on Sunday 🤕 pic.twitter.com/fCOWYrwNXm
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 17, 2024
Many supporters have written in to Klopp during his final week to say goodbye and the man himself did not hide how emotional reading some of the letters made him.
He said: “I try to explain, I do not understand it properly. People like you until you disappoint them, and I don’t think we ever disappointed.
“The club means the world to so many people, and over the last few months it was really extreme.
“I have had so many emails and letters over the last few months.
“If I answer all of them I am here to 2028, so I apologise for not answering all of them. There were a lot of requests for tickets as well…
“Some of those letters, I burst into tears reading about what the club has meant to some people.
“The way we bought into it led to how happy we were. We have very special supporters, and the last nine years meant the world to them, I am very happy about that.”
