Jurgen Klopp's departure from Anfield on Sunday will mark the end of an era.
The German manager, who restored Liverpool to the pinnacle of English and European football, leaves behind a profound legacy and a deep connection with the city and its fans.
Since Klopp's announcement in January of his decision to step down at the season's end, Merseyside has been engulfed in a palpable sense of loss. This intense emotion reflects the remarkable transformation Klopp spearheaded, reminiscent of Bill Shankly's impact decades ago.
When Klopp took charge in October 2015, he humbly described himself as "a normal one," a stark contrast to Jose Mourinho's self-proclaimed "special one" status at Chelsea. Yet, Klopp's tenure proved anything but ordinary. He became the only Liverpool manager to win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Club World Cup, and Community Shield.
Before his arrival in England, Klopp had already made a name for himself by leading Borussia Dortmund to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, overcoming the dominance of Bayern Munich. However, doubts lingered about his ability to revive a Liverpool side that had languished for years.
Taking over with Liverpool in 10th place and without a league title in 25 years, Klopp quickly captivated the passionate fanbase with his charisma, personality, and coaching prowess. "This is a very, very special club. I didn't make them believe, I reminded them that it helps when you believe," Klopp said earlier this month. "Everybody was ready to push the train. That's what we did now for eight and a-half years."
Liverpool's history is marked by both triumph and tragedy, notably the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which claimed the lives of 97 fans. Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness praised Klopp as "a great communicator, a showman, and the leader of the pack," highlighting his deep connection with the club's emotional history.
Klopp's early years brought heartbreak, with losses in the League Cup, Europa League, and Champions League finals. In the 2018–19 season, Liverpool's then-record 97 points were not enough to beat Pep Guardiola's Manchester City to the Premier League title. However, weeks later, Liverpool triumphed in the Champions League, defeating Tottenham in Madrid.
Anfield witnessed one of its greatest nights when Klopp's team overturned a 3-0 deficit to beat Lionel Messi's Barcelona 4-0. The long-awaited Premier League title finally came in 2020, though celebrations were subdued due to the pandemic.
The COVID period was especially challenging for Klopp, who couldn't attend his mother's funeral due to travel restrictions. Despite these hardships, Liverpool secured the League Cup and FA Cup in 2022 and came close to an unprecedented quadruple.
In the 2022–23 season, Klopp refreshed the squad with youth, leading another quadruple challenge. However, the team's form faltered, and Klopp announced he was running on empty. "It was a win-win situation from the first day. I enjoyed each second of it," he said. "The responsibility and love that grew over the years is a big part of the decision I made, so I'm absolutely fine and at peace with the decision."
Although Liverpool's season ended with disappointments, including exits from the FA Cup and Europa League, Klopp's legacy remains untarnished. As he leaves Anfield after the final match against Wolves, his place in the hearts of Liverpool's faithful is firmly secured.
