Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hinted at a potential Anfield homecoming for Liverpool's final Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace. The much-loved German confessed he's planning to mark his return once the title race concludes, amid fears that an earlier appearance might spell bad luck for the team.
Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have commandeered a formidable 13-point lead that they could at least temporarily extend in Saturday's clash with Southampton. A victory against the struggling Saints would see Liverpool tighten their grip on the top spot before Arsenal's crucial match with Manchester United on Sunday.
Klopp has recently re-entered the footballing arena via his role with Red Bull as Head of Global Soccer, where he is responsible for their operations around the globe.
On Thursday, the 57-year-old was spotted in Cape Town, where he showed his support at the Hout Bay United fundraiser event, aimed at benefitting both the local football club and its community.
In a candid Q&A session, Klopp opened up about his highly anticipated comeback to Liverpool since his exit last May. He expressed intentions to join in the celebrations, saying: "Yes, the plan is [to be in Liverpool] but not on the bus, I will be there with the people I saw on the bus. That's the idea to be honest, but we will see."
His appearance is contingent on Liverpool's success this season - with the Reds first needing to secure a major trophy to ensure a bus parade. It appears likely Slot and co. will get their hands on the Premier League trophy. Klopp also did that but didn't get a big party in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Klopp added: "I think I will be there for the last game... I didn't want to go earlier to be honest because I didn't want to jinx it all the time. If I'm in the stadium for the first time and they lose, 'oh f*** sake'. So I go there when it's decided."
Mohamed Salah earlier hinted at a return for the former Premier League and Champions League-winning manager during an interview last month. The Egyptian revealed his ongoing communications with Klopp.
"Yes, more than before," Salah said. "We're in good contact, we've written to each other a lot in the last few months. He asked about my family, congratulated me on the games and on reaching the final of the Carabao Cup – things like that.
"And he told me when he'll be coming here next..." Salah revealed, suggesting the German coach's reappearance may be on the horizon.
This story originally appeared on the Liverpool Echo