Jurgen Klopp said farewell to Liverpool on Sunday by singing the name of his successor, Arne Slot, in front of the club’s supporters.
Klopp’s 8½-year reign as manager came to an end with a 2-0 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, with first-half goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah sealing a 305th victory in his 491 games in charge.
Feyenoord coach Slot confirmed on Friday that he would be replacing Klopp at Anfield next season. After Klopp was presented with a series of miniature trophies to reflect those won since taking charge in October 2015, he told the Liverpool fans to follow him by chanting Slot’s name.
“The new manager, I want you to sing his name,” Klopp said. “Arne Slot, na na na na na! When the next season starts, go full throttle into it with the new manager. When you start, you keep believing. Don’t stop believing.
“I saw a lot of people crying, same to me too, but change is good. If you go with right attitude and everything will be fine.”
Liverpool won every major honour with the exception of the Europa League under Klopp and the club’s 2019-20 Premier League success ended its 30-year quest to be champions of England.
Having revealed his decision to stand down in January, recent weeks have been building up to Klopp’s final game as manager. The 56-year-old said it has been an emotional roller coaster for him recently.
“I’m surprised I’m not already in pieces,” he said. “I’m so happy, I can’t believe it. The atmosphere, the game, being part of this family, how we celebrate at this stadium. Thanks so much.
“It doesn’t feel like an end, just feels like a start. I saw a team full of creativity, desire. Since a few weeks I have had too much attention, but in this time I realised a lot of things.
“People told me I turned you from doubter to believer, that’s not true. Believing is what you do yourself, you did it. Nobody tells you to stop believing, this club is in a better moment than for a long time.
“We decide if we’re worried or excited. We decide if you believe or don’t believe, trust or don’t trust. Since today I am one of you and I believe in you.”
