Jurgen Klopp breaks down in tears at Liverpool farewell after disclosing Arne Slot talks | Football | Sport
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp broke down in tears during a farewell show on Tuesday evening as he waved goodbye to supporters for the final time on Merseyside. The German could not hide his emotions when the crowd chanted in his direction, hiding his face momentarily before thanking fans for their support.
The 56-year-old was given the chance to say his final farewell to Liverpool supporters at the M&S Bank Arena on Tuesday night as the venue staged ‘An Evening with Jurgen Klopp’, hosted by local comedian John Bishop.
Klopp announced in January that he would be leaving the Reds this summer as he was ‘running out of energy’ in the Anfield dugout, though the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss may have underestimated how emotional the split from his beloved club would be.
Heading into the evening, he wrote on Instagram: “Okay, so now I’ve tried to put myself somehow in proper gear to say now for the last time, hopefully, goodbye. I’m pretty sure it will be a good event – again pretty emotional, but I think we are through the worst now. So we can have a good time and that’s the plan.
“So I wish you as well – if you can see it – if you can watch it (I’m not sure if somebody shows it) a wonderful night as well. So let’s go! So here we go, that’s it. Ready for the party.”
However, although there were moments of celebration and joyful chants, the evening proved incredibly emotional – with Klopp breaking down in tears when the thousands in attendance began chanting his name and giving him incredible support during different parts of the event.
A video shared on social media showed the German battling to keep a lid on his emotions as the M&S Bank Arena bounced with chants of his name, prompting a grateful hand of thanks from the legendary boss.
Klopp will prove an incredibly tough act to follow for his successor, now announced as Arne Slot. The ex-Feyenoord boss will take on the mantle on Merseyside this summer, and the Dutchman has spoken with his predecessor recenty it has emerged.
Klopp revealed: “I spoke to pretty much everybody on the new leadership team. He’s a really good manager.” A rave review from their much-adored manager will give Liverpool supporters plenty of confidence heading into next season, and Slot will be hoping that he can repay the faith of the higher powers at Anfield by leading the club to a trophy in his debut season in England.