“I Hung Up on Klopp!” – Ragnar Klavan Reflects on Liverpool Move and Klopp’s Legacy
Jurgen Klopp’s era at Liverpool is filled with unforgettable moments, yet few recall that Ragnar Klavan was among his earliest signings in 2016. In an exclusive interview, the Estonian defender shared how his journey to Anfield began, his experiences under Klopp, and the emotional farewell as the German manager departed the club.
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Klavan, who joined Liverpool from FC Augsburg for €5m, described his shock upon learning of Liverpool’s interest.
“My agent called and said there’s interest from a Liverpool club. I asked, ‘Everton?’ He said, ‘No, the red ones.’ When Jurgen first called me, I didn’t believe it was him. I hung up, and he sent me a selfie to prove it was really him!”
Joining Liverpool was a monumental step for Klavan and his country.
“When I made the move, it was a big deal in Estonia. I wasn’t a big superstar, so going from the Bundesliga to Liverpool was unexpected. Playing two amazing seasons under Jurgen was unbelievable.”
Klavan recalled his debut fondly:
“My first Premier League game was special. Playing away at Arsenal and winning it—Sadio Mane scored, and he was on fire. The level was incredible, and I’ll never forget that moment.”
Ragnar Klavan reflects on Klopp
Discussing Klopp’s departure, Klavan admitted it brought back strong emotions.
“Watching Jurgen’s last game… your eyes get a little watery. My two years at Liverpool, all those emotions came back. I’m so thankful to Jurgen and Liverpool for letting me be part of what he built.”
Reflecting on Klopp’s impact, Klavan emphasized:
“He’s not just a great coach but a special human being. He changed me as a player and a person. At a Christmas party, he said, ‘If we train, we give 100%. If we play, we give our everything. But when we party, we also give our all.’ That philosophy stuck with me and is something I’d carry into coaching.”
Despite leaving for Serie A in 2018, Klavan remains grateful.
“Jurgen was surprised I left. He asked me to reconsider, but moving to Italy was a new adventure. Still, being part of Liverpool and Klopp’s story was truly special.”
Ragnar Klavan’s anecdotes reflect Klopp’s transformative influence on his players, ensuring his legacy lives on in their lives—and Liverpool’s history.
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Sridarshi Chowdhury
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where "You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport. My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it's discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I'm always ready for a football conversation.