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Ken Buckley, who has held a season ticket for Liverpool for 50 years, expresses his devastation at the news of Jürgen Klopp’s departure, stating that it feels similar to when Bill Shankly left. He compares it to losing a loved one and finds it difficult to come to terms with.
Buckley stands in front of a mural that shows Klopp celebrating a Champions League victory, one of the seven major titles he has won as the team’s coach. Fans gathered to take photos with their hero, wanting to capture the impact he has had on the club. One supporter even wears a “Thank you Klopp” hoodie as a tribute. While Steven Gerrard was once the face of the club, it is now Klopp who represents everything it stands for, as evidenced by the numerous tattoos of his face on display.
Parents were ensuring that their children had their photo taken with the distinguished collection of their idol, who has guaranteed that the newest generation has only experienced prosperity. People of all ages were contributing to demonstrate the adoration felt towards this living legend. An abundance of flattened cardboard boxes could be found at Anfield, as children proudly displayed homemade signs adorned with heart symbols.
The vendors outside the stadium were selling a lot of merchandise featuring Klopp. The customary pre-game chant of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was met with fans holding up scarves with Klopp’s face on them, and the manager enjoyed it all, smiling when it was over – he will miss the electric atmosphere just as much as the fans will miss him, as shown by the post-game singing.
The number of fans waiting at the players’ car park for Klopp was higher than usual. Typically, supporters hope to see their favorite players on the field, but those in the crowd understand that there will be few opportunities to express their gratitude for the positive changes that have occurred at Anfield in the last nine years.
Upon his arrival, Klopp aimed to establish a strong connection with the fanbase following a period of little success and a growing collection of dusty trophies. However, those days are now a thing of the past for Liverpool. With their energetic style of play, they have the potential to win four competitions before Klopp moves on to a quieter life. According to Buckley, Klopp’s goal was to turn doubters into believers, marking the start of his relationship with the fans. While other managers, like Pep Guardiola, may do well, they do not have the same rapport with the fans as Klopp, who is greatly loved by the Liverpool community.
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It can be energy-sapping in the stands, let alone patrolling the touchline. Klopp lives every moment on the pitch and was the same against Norwich, willing to question the fourth official whenever he felt a decision did not go Liverpool’s way in a relatively routine FA Cup win against a team in the division below. The Anfield sidelines have seen some of Klopp’s most memorable moments, from sprinting to celebrate crucial goals to pulling his hamstring to remonstrate with the officials but Sunday was calm by his standards.
Supporters admire his demeanor, experiencing the highs and lows alongside the 54,000 individuals surrounding him. Fans will savor every moment they have with Klopp as his unique approach is unlikely to be duplicated by any future successor. “I simply want to continue our current path and achieve some victories,” Buckley expresses. “If we do not, it is not for lack of effort – we have faced many injuries, which people tend to forget. I understand why he is leaving due to the intensity – and it is not just here, but also at Mainz and Borussia Dortmund where he exerted the same level of energy. His ability to manage and motivate players is what won over the fans. I have great admiration for him.”
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Klopp has captured the hearts of fans not just with his team’s success on the field, but also with his leadership off the field. Despite Manchester United dethroning them, Klopp has guided Liverpool back to the top of the Premier League, clinching their first title in 30 years during the challenging times of a global pandemic. Buckley, a loyal season-ticket holder for 50 years, laments that he was unable to witness the team lift the trophy in front of a full Anfield crowd, which he considers to be his biggest regret. Winning finals may come and go, but seeing his beloved team triumph after so many years at their home stadium is something he wishes he could have experienced firsthand.
Klopp’s departure is a regret for many fans who had hoped for his continued leadership and the team’s revitalization. His exit brings a sense of uncertainty after years of stability, but under Klopp’s guidance, the club has become desirable for players, fans, and top managers. The key factor is not just joining a club, but the state in which it is left, and Klopp has built a formidable team. He will leave behind a talented and energetic squad, providing the chance for someone else to continue his successful legacy.
“After his departure, a statue will be erected and construction work will begin now. It will stand next to Shankly, as a testament to the immense impact he has had,” states Buckley. Liverpool is once again filled with belief – a truly remarkable legacy.
Source: theguardian.com
