This weekend will see Jurgen Klopp manage a Liverpool team for the final time.
Nine years ago when he walked through the doors at Anfield for the first time, it’s doubtful that anyone would’ve expected just how much of an imprint the German would leave over the following few seasons.
After a relative barren period in terms of the big trophies, Klopp really put Liverpool back on the map.
Champions League, Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup… he won them all, and captured the hearts of Liverpool fans everywhere.
Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool after the Wolves game
His connection to the club and the city was clear almost immediately, and he just seemed to have that knack of being able to say the right thing at just the right time.
It’s easy to understand how he managed to motivate his players when the public saw his passion on the sidelines or in press conferences.
A mischievous character, he endeared himself to all with his often comical, and sometimes inappropriate quips. A Premier League manager with humour and personality? Surely not!
He really will be missed when he says goodbye and CaughtOffside’s Fabrizio Romano offered a few words in tribute to Klopp in his exclusive Daily Briefing.
“To be honest, no words I say will do justice for Klopp at Liverpool. He’s been just extraordinary, a living legend for the club,” he said.
“The level of appreciation from every single player is the best way to understand how special he’s been and he will be missed.”
There’s some certainty to there not being a dry eye in the house once the final whistle rings around Anfield.
The result against Wolves will be almost incidental – not that Klopp would see it that way – as the locals rise as one to acclaim the German as their own one final time.
The game of football in England will certainly be much the poorer without Klopp in it, and that’s probably the most lasting legacy he leaves; a before and after.
It remains to be seen how many of his players follow him out of the exit door this summer.