He will never walk alone, even less after nine years on the Liverpool bench.
German Jürgen Klopp, at the helm of the Reds since October 2015, announced this Friday that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
Obviously, the traditional supporters' chant "You'll never walk alone" had a very special flavor for the former Borussia Dortmund coach, two days after the news was announced.
Shortly before the kick-off of the round of 16 of the FA Cup against Norwich, it was an emotional Jürgen Klopp who listened to Anfield chanting his legendary song.
With his cap on his head, the 56-year-old technician remained prostrate, head down, for a few seconds before scanning the stadium stands.
There are several scarves bearing his image as well as a banner with a portrait of Klopp in black and white next to his trophies won with the English club.
You'll Never Walk Alone ♥️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/o6EOxJCf3T
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) January 28, 2024
At the end of the song, the Reds coach gives a frank smile as usual, as do his assistants sitting next to him.
Klopp 'running out of energy'
“I'm running out of energy,” Klopp explained on Friday on Liverpool's official website.
I know I can't do this work again and again and again.
(…) I love absolutely everything about this club.
I love everything about this city, I love everything about our fans, I love the team, I love the staff.
I like everything.
But making this decision shows you how hard I have to make it (…).
After all these years spent together, after everything we have been through together, the respect and love I have for you, I owe you the truth and, it is the truth,” he explained.
Also read “It’s exhausting, it’s normal that he needs to cut back”: Luis Enrique understands the departure of Jürgen Klopp
In eight seasons, before completing his ninth, Klopp will have won a Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the Community Shield in 2022. Liverpool also owes him the UEFA Super Cup in 2019 and the Club World Cup in the same year.
Qualified for the League Cup final, Klopp can still fill his trophy cabinet in 2024 with Liverpool, current Premier League leader.