Liverpool were expected to struggle following the departure of Jurgen Klopp last summer, who led the club to unbelievable success during almost nine years on Merseyside.
However, the German’s successor, Arne Slot, has made light work of what was considered a transitional season for the Reds, guiding the Merseyside giants to Premier League glory in his debut campaign at the helm.
As much as Slot’s success has been rightly revered, the Dutch coach has built on Klopp’s foundations. Liverpool’s success this term would not have been possible without the departed 57-year-old, who’s still adored among the Anfield faithful.
But will Klopp feature in Liverpool’s title celebrations?
Klopp has yet to make his Anfield comeback since leaving at the end of last season but that’s set to change imminently. The Liverpool icon has confirmed he will return to Merseyside to celebrate Slot’s title triumph and he’s expected to watch on during the Reds’ final Premier League game of the season at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday 25 May. He’s also set to stay for the trophy parade.
“Yes, the plan is [to celebrate the title with Liverpool]…but not on the bus,” said Klopp during an event in South Africa. “I will be there with the people that you all saw growing up [club legends] – that’s the idea to be honest.”
When asked about a return to Anfield itself, he added: “I didn’t want to go earlier [in the season] to be honest because I didn’t want to jinx it. Imagine I’m the first time in the stadium and they lose!? So, I go there when it’s decided.”
Klopp will actually arrive on Merseyside before Liverpool’s final day battle with the Eagles as he’s been announced as a guest speaker at the LFC Foundation’s Gala Ball on Friday 23 May. He was named the first ever honorary ambassador for the foundation last year.
Klopp announced he would be taking at least a year-long sabbatical following his Liverpool exit and while he’s yet to return to the touchline, he has got another job. On 1 January 2025, he started his new role as global head of soccer at Red Bull, where he advises the corporation’s clubs – RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, Red Bull Bragantino and New York Red Bulls – on playing style, transfer strategy and coaching.
The move was widely criticised, especially in Germany where multi-club ownership is particularly frowned upon. Supporters at Klopp’s former clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund expressed their disappointment over his decision, but that hasn’t dissuaded him.
Klopp has been linked with a spectacular return to management with Real Madrid amid growing reports of Carlo Ancelotti’s imminent exit, but such rumours have been dismissed by the German’s agent.
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