Jürgen Klopp has said Liverpool will move in an “exciting direction” as they begin a new era under Arne Slot, saying his team “shot for the moon and ended up for the stars” ahead of his final game as manager.
Klopp will step down from his role after almost nine years in charge at Anfield following Sunday's Premier League home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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The former Borussia Dortmund manager leaves Liverpool after ending the club's 30-year wait for a league title in 2020 and also claiming a sixth European Cup/Champions League crown in 2019.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot will be officially confirmed by Liverpool as Klopp's replacement next week (Slot said on Friday he will take charge at Anfield), but with just 90 minutes left in his reign as manager, Klopp said the club will continue. succeed after he leaves.
“The most positive thing for Liverpool is that, regardless of who leaves, the club is still in a very, very good position,” Klopp said in a message to fans in Sunday's match programme. “This season we aimed for the moon and ended up for the stars, which is never too bad and the players and staff left are first class.
“Yes, they will have new leadership shortly, but this is a club that is ready to embark on the journey in a new and exciting direction, not one that is ready for the journey to come to an end.
“This is what I always knew Liverpool was: a club of travel and adventures, some that end with trophies and some that don't, but no matter what happens, there are always stories and moments that are unforgettable.
“During my time here we have been blessed with quite a few and it is important to highlight that what we have done has always been backed by stable, smart and creative ownership. Again, I couldn't be more grateful for this, but I'm also excited because I know that this will continue and that can only be good news for Liverpool FC.”
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Anfield is preparing to give Klopp an emotional farewell before, during and after Sunday's clash against Wolves, with tickets selling online for more than £1,400 ($1,778) as fans desperately try to find a way to witness the Klopp's departure.
And the 56-year-old said he now wants fans to give his successor the same support and backing he has received since taking office in October 2015.
“Of course, this is my last game as Liverpool manager,” he said. “This is something that all of you have known for a few months and I have known for a little longer, but as much as I know that it is the right time to leave, I also know that it will take me a while to get used to it. If the start The point was the announcement, the next big step into the future is on Sunday.
“Finally, I only have gratitude and affection for the fans. Everything we have done has been for you, with you and for you. I have referred many times to the banner on the Kop that says Unity is Strength and I believe That this is a belief that we have all fulfilled.
“The important thing now is that this continues so that my successor can have the same benefits as me.
“From today I will also be a supporter, so I hope I can play my part in it.”
