Klopp leaves Liverpool: Reds deliver victory in emotional farewell to Premier League manager

In many ways, it was business as usual for Jurgen Klopp. He touched the “This is Anfield” sign in the tunnel on the way out to the pitch.

He patrolled the middle of the field with his hands behind his back during the warmups, watching his own team — and then, with that trademark glare, his opponents.

He waved to fans behind the Liverpool dugout and tapped his heart just before kickoff, before soaking in the pre-match rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Fans greet Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp ahead the English Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
| Photo Credit:
AP

“This morning I woke up,” Klopp said Sunday before the final match of his transformational, nearly nine-year stint in charge of Liverpool, “and I was completely in game mode.”

This, of course, was no normal day for Klopp.

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The 2-0 win over Wolverhampton on a sunny day at Anfield doubled as a tribute to a coach who led Liverpool to seven major trophies and forged such a connection with the city that he has been compared to Bill Shankly — the club’s legendary manager from 1959-74.

No wonder he looked emotional throughout an afternoon that Liverpool fans never wanted to come.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts on his last match for the Premier League side, at Anfield on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
REUTERS

They lined the streets outside Anfield to welcome Klopp and his players, and then produced a paper mosaic of the word “JURGEN” in the stand opposite the dugouts.

“People are calling it The Last Dance. So let’s dance,” he told Sky Sports just off the field before the match began – and Liverpool obliged by strolling to one final victory for Klopp thanks to goals by Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah.

Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, second left, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
| Photo Credit:
AP

Klopp embraced each member of his backroom staff and also Wolves manager Gary O’Neil after the final whistle blew. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was in tears as he hugged Klopp near the center circle.

Liverpool finished third in the standings, nine points behind champion Manchester City.