Jurgen Klopp marked his Liverpool farewell by chanting the name of Arne Slott, his likely successor, during a farewell speech at Anfield after the 2:0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Wearing a red hoodie with 'I'll never walk alone' emblazoned across the back, Klopp got the Merseyside fans involved in chanting 'Arne Slott la la la', associating the chant with Austrian band Opus' song 'Live is Life'. Slott, who has coached Feyenoord since 2021, said on Friday he would be Liverpool's next manager. So far, there is nothing official from the two clubs.
Klopp, who is leaving Anfield after nearly nine years, addressed the crowd during a pitch presentation by owners John Henry and Tom Werner, chief executive Billy Hogan and Sir Kenny Dalglish.
“You will welcome the new manager as you welcomed me. You come in strong from day one. And you continue to believe and support the team. The change is for the better. No one is telling you to stop believing. This club is in perhaps its best position. We decide whether we are worried or excited. We decide whether we believe. We decide whether we trust or not and from today I am one of you and I continue to believe in you. The atmosphere was great - thank you for ignoring my request not to sing my song! If you sing it next season, it will be fun! It doesn't feel like an end, but like a new beginning. Today I saw a football team playing with passion. This is one part of development. That's what you need. This attention is uncomfortable, but in this moment I realize some things. People have told me I've changed them from doubters to believers – but that's not true. We have this stadium, training base and you - the superpower of world football! I am one of you. I love you so much. I will never walk alone again – thank you for that", said the emotional German.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola paid tribute to his great rival on the touchline following a record fourth consecutive Premier League title. “I will miss him a lot. Jürgen played a big role in my life, he made me stronger as a manager, I think we respect each other incredibly much. I just want to thank him for his kind words and he knows that his club has brought me a lot in my career". /BGNES
