LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has joined social media to ensure his “love affair” with Liverpool endures after his emotional farewell game against Wolves on Sunday.
Klopp will conclude his remarkable nine-year tenure when the final whistle blows at Anfield.
The German has become a Liverpool legend, leading the team to its first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020, winning the Champions League in 2019, and lifting both the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club.
The charismatic 56-year-old has formed a strong bond with Liverpudlians, who have embraced his passionate personality.
Determined to maintain his connection with the city after leaving Merseyside, Klopp overcame his reluctance towards social media by launching his own Instagram account on Saturday.
Named ‘Kloppo’ and labeled ‘the normal one’—a nod to former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho’s ‘special one’ nickname—Klopp’s account amassed 376,000 followers within two hours of his debut post, featuring a heartfelt video address to Liverpool fans.
“Dear Liverpudlians, we’re getting closer to the end. I would call it a love affair. From the first day, it was an absolutely incredible time,” Klopp said. “I’ve always felt like we are writing a story together. It’s a good book. And if we read it in the future, we will smile.
“Leaving this incredible place is hard, but I want to stay in contact with you. Even though I’m not a social media guy, people told me it helps with that. So, here we go. See you!”
Klopp’s video included clips of his iconic fist pumps, trophy celebrations, and memorable press conference moments.
In an open letter to the Liverpool Echo on Saturday, he praised the city for embracing him: “A place that welcomes you like a son and does not care where you come from…I could not be prouder that you allowed me that incredible privilege,” he wrote. “On and off the pitch, we have created memories that will live with me forever. But the biggest lesson I will take is that giving up is not in the Scouse dictionary…I love this more than I could ever say.”
As his departure approaches, Klopp has spent the week saying his goodbyes to staff around Anfield and the club’s training ground. Liverpool’s players gave him their own send-off at a barbecue on Thursday, and Klopp was pictured sitting alone in Anfield’s famous Kop stand, reminiscing about past triumphs and near-misses.
After announcing his decision to leave in January, Liverpool was chasing a quadruple. They won the League Cup final against Chelsea in February but exited the FA Cup to Manchester United and the Europa League to Atalanta. Their Premier League title bid also faded, leaving them guaranteed to finish third regardless of the Wolves match result.
Free to soak in the emotion of the day, Klopp admitted his final pre-match team meeting would be poignant.
“The documentary guys asked if they could film the last team meeting, which nobody ever had,” he said. “I said no because I have no idea how that will be. Can I be on fire? Probably yes, but I don’t know. It will be really strange.”
A special fan mosaic will be displayed as Klopp walks out of the tunnel before kick-off. Klopp is set to address fans on the pitch after the final whistle.
“Standing there and pretending it’s a normal game, nobody would believe me if I said that,” he remarked.
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