By Peter Ochieng
Jurgen Klopp’s 9-year reign at English Premier League (EPL) giants Liverpool came to end on Sunday.
The Reds 2-0 win against Wolves in the last league match of the 2023/2024 season proved a befitting send-off for the German tactician, who has been credited for turning Liverpool from doubters to believers.
He guided the Reds in 491 matches, with the Premier League and Champions League being among the over five titles he won.
Although it will be difficult, full-back Andy Robertson says he is among the Reds players ready to move on, after enjoying an amazing ride under Klopp. “From the minute he came through the door, we’ve been on a special journey,” the defender told liverpoolfc.com.
He praised the outgoing manager for his man-management skills. “In terms of difficult moments, good moments I’ve had off the pitch, he’s always been one of the first to pick up the phone or give us a text to congratulate or to see if I’m OK.
“That’s what people maybe don’t see. As a manager you can speak all day about him, and everybody could, but as a person he’s done a lot for all of us and that’s where he will always hold a special place in our hearts for that.”
“Now we have to move on,” added Robertson.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said the rivalry with Klopp made him a better coach, adding that he will miss him.
“I will miss him a lot. Jurgen played a really important part in my life, he brought me to another level as a manager, I think we respect each other incredibly. I just want to say thank you very much for the kind words but behind me, there are a lot of things that this club provided and give to me,” he stated.
“Otherwise alone I cannot do it, I’m humble enough to understand completely that. He helped me many times with his team, a big competitor in my life. There are many times where I didn’t discover the way I played to punish him that I can find with other teams. With him, it’s been so difficult.”
Guardiola led City to the 4th straight league title on Sunday.