Thank You Jürgen Klopp – The Man Who Dared Us To Dream | OneFootball

Thank You Jürgen Klopp

A Personal Reflection

I have been writing for the Anfield Index for close to four years now, something that grew during the pandemic and has continued up until this moment. It dawned on me when penning my most recent Wolves preview that I have never written a Liverpool FC related article, when Jürgen Klopp has not been the Anfield manager. I have seen a few colleagues and fellow supporters state that this past week’s departure of the former Borussia Dortmund coach, was something that had not quite sunken in yet.

For many, the fear of losing such a great man was overwhelming and I imagine Sunday’s final game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, was a tearful and emotional moment in time. I was ignorant to that notion and considered myself hardened as a fan of the red half of Merseyside for over forty years. Within the past couple of seasons, I have openly expressed an opinion that had the illustrious German as too loyal to his players, which is something I could not understand, as all I desired was brilliant football and a plethora of silverware to be won.

New Understanding

As I wrote that preview and as I write these words a few days after his last appearance as Liverpool manager, I now understand that loyalty and that sometimes it can mean more than that which unfolds on a football pitch.

Life With Klopp

Since the former Champions League and Premier League winning manager took the Liverpool helm, I have moved into what I consider my forever home, I have married, welcomed my beloved two dogs into the family, seen the birth of my youngest daughter, whilst emigrating from a novice in martial arts, to a black belt standard in my chosen discipline.

All these occurrences have been undertaken with my team, Liverpool Football Club, continually under the excellent leadership of Jürgen Klopp, a constant presence since 2015 that I now know I took for granted.

Gratitude and Reflection

At no point do I expect the opportunity to arise where I can thank the 56-year-old, yet I have an opportunity to pen some words after taking a few days away from my writing duties. The 2022/23 season was a very difficult period as a sports writer, given the disappointing season and struggled throughout.

This 2023/24, however, has been a rejuvenating year of football that feels befitting of the departing legend. Our fondest memories are created by spectacular moments, which have in my case been enabled by Jürgen Klopp. I will look back in decades time with appreciation and gratitude, especially given the obstacles which meant supreme success was unlikely. This man dared us to dream and delivered on his initial words, therefore, I thank him and look forward to what comes next for a man who is most certainly deserving of a rest.

Jürgen, you’ll never walk alone.