Jurgen Klopp Reflects on His Legendary Liverpool Tenure: “We Could Have Won More”
Klopp’s Final Match at Anfield
Liverpool’s charismatic manager Jurgen Klopp is set to oversee his final match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, before taking a sabbatical from all footballing activities. Anfield is expected to be filled with emotion as fans bid farewell to the man who has brought immense success and joy to the club.
A Haul of Major Trophies
During his time at Liverpool, the 56-year-old Klopp secured eight major trophies. This impressive haul includes the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup, Community Shield, and two Carabao Cups. Despite these triumphs, Klopp admits that there were moments when he felt the team could have achieved even more.
Near Misses and What Could Have Been
Klopp’s tenure saw Liverpool narrowly miss out on several occasions. They lost to Real Madrid in two Champions League finals in 2018 and 2022. In the Premier League, Manchester City edged them out twice, finishing just a point ahead in the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons.
Klopp’s Thoughts on Missed Opportunities
Reflecting on these near misses, Klopp said:
“I’m absolutely fine. I know we could have won more but I can’t change that. We could have won less as well. Not being champion by a point is not a great experience but it’s an experience. I couldn’t have done anything different in these moments. When we don’t score at City when the ball wasn’t over the line, and then Aguero scores at Burnley when it is just over the line. That is not my fault!
We could have won more Champions Leagues. Being in three finals is an outstanding achievement. There is a good chance you lose the final, that’s how it is. Real Madrid, they always find a way to win it. We tried again. I would not be happy if I thought I could have done more. I couldn’t have done more. Could someone else have done better? Possibly. But not me and I’m fine with it. It’ll be judged by the people and most are fine with it.”
Reflecting on the Carabao Cup Victory
Liverpool’s hopes of a quadruple this season were dashed, but they secured a Carabao Cup victory in February, defeating Chelsea in the final at Wembley Stadium. Reflecting on that victory, Klopp said:
“It was my favourite final we ever played. We know how people see the Carabao but in that moment it felt absolutely outstanding. It showed everything this club is about.”
Klopp’s Emotional Farewell to Liverpool
Klopp’s departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool. His leadership has not only brought trophies but also rekindled the club’s spirit, re-establishing them as a force in both domestic and European football. The manager revealed that he has already bid goodbye to the players and admitted that it would be tough bidding adieu to the Anfield faithful.
“This is the last game of the season and after that, it’s holiday. Business as usual. Yesterday, players said goodbye. We had a barbecue here. It’s a lot. I have emotional moments of course. I don’t know how many shirts I signed! It’s all part of the thing,” he said. “Saying goodbye is never nice but saying goodbye without feeling sad or hurt, that would mean the time was not good. The time was great. It will be tough,” he added.
The Legacy Klopp Leaves Behind
Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool will be remembered for the incredible highs and the near misses that added to the drama and emotion of his tenure. As he steps away, the legacy of his leadership, passion, and success will continue to inspire the club and its supporters.