After revealing he will be departing Liverpool at the end of the season, Jurgen Klopp says he does not want “the old man on the sidelines” to become a distraction.
On Friday, Klopp shocked the football community by declaring his departure, citing a “running out of energy” issue.
He also expressed gratitude for the “emotional” welcome he received from Reds fans before Sunday’s FA Cup triumph over Norwich, but he hopes that attention will not be drawn to him too much going forward.
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On a day of intense emotions at Anfield, the German team easily defeated the Championship play-off contenders, securing their spot in the fifth round with a 5-2 victory.
Six major trophies have been won by Klopp since his appointment more than eight years ago. “I have to make sure I don’t get on that side of it,” Klopp said to BBC Match of the Day.
“I stated that since I am already aware of our relationship, the fans don’t need to do anything extra. We must play like warriors in games, not like the old man cheering from the sidelines.
“This was the first match after the news – [now] we can get used to it.”
Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Virgil van Dijk, and Ryan Gravenberch all scored goals to secure the win for the Premier League leaders, who are also in the Carabao Cup final and the Europa League round of 16.
Captain Van Dijk notes that although “nothing has changed” in the Liverpool team since Klopp’s declaration, the players now have greater motivation to “make more memories” this year.
The Dutchman remarked, “Today was always going to be a bit different.” “The manager was back in the stadium for the first time, seeing all of the supporters.
“Until the summer, the manager will be here. We need to address the noise. As captain, it is my responsibility to make sure it doesn’t get to our players.
We have experienced a great deal together, and I am appreciative of all that he has done for my career, family, and me. Why not have a happy ending?”
Fans will want to give it their all.
Before the game, veteran Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler told ITV that considering Klopp’s accomplishments since joining the team in October 2015, Reds fans will want to give him a proper send-off.
“He will be a huge miss, not just to this country but to football,” he stated. “The supporters will want to give it their all.
Since Jurgen took over, the team has improved year after year to reach their current position; the younger players on this roster are amazing.
“We all want them to win the Premier League [this season], and a Europa League final in Dublin would be the icing on the cake.”
