Jurgen Klopp issued a rallying cry to his Liverpool players in his final dressing room speech which has proved to be true as they prepare to be crowned champions on the final day
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Jurgen Klopp told his players they would become champions before his departure
Jurgen Klopp told his players they would become champions before his departure
(Image: Liverpool FC)
Jurgen Klopp's final changing room speech as Liverpool boss saw him tell his players they had champion qualities, with Arne Slot's Reds prepare to lift the Premier League trophy on Sunday.
It was on this day 12 months ago that Klopp waved goodbye to Anfield after eight-and-a-half years at the helm. He remains an iconic figure on Merseyside and Arne Slot's name as he said his farewells to the stadium. He addressed his players after they beat Wolves 2-0.
Klopp had become renowned for rallying his squad with his charisma a vital part of his personality. Slot has been able to claim the title with the group of stars he inherited from the German and the former Borussia Dortmund boss was in no doubt the team he left could take the final steps.
In his final season he finished third behind Manchester City and Arsenal, but his rallying cry proved to be perfectly timed as Liverpool were about to embark on their second Premier League triumph.
He said: “I love you. I can’t wait to be watching you, developing, making next steps…” Klopp then halted to see who won the league and was informed that Manchester City had pipped Arsenal. “Well, the only ones who stopped them do that was us [in 2019-20], and you can do that again," he continued.
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Klopp added: “There might be some people who say [third place] is not enough – I tell you, they don’t have a clue about football. Could we have had better moments? Yes, of course, that’s always possible. But did we do better than you can usually expect? Oh yes, because it takes longer to become a top team again.
“Coming third in the first season with Liverpool 2.0, and from now on with new energy from outside, with new influences, with new push, proving yourself, that’s good for squeezing everything out of your career. I love you. It was absolutely outstanding, thank you for the ride. I’m so proud of you, I’m so proud that I was allowed to be part of this, thank you very much. And the sky’s the limit for you boys.”
The Reds have claimed the title in Arne Slot's first season
The Reds have claimed the title in Arne Slot's first season
Liverpool were in contention for a treble come March, but quick fire defeats against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final and PSG in the Champions League curtailed their ambitions. Slot has been able to maximise the squad he inherited with several Klopp signings producing stellar seasons.
Mohamed Salah has enjoyed one of his best years whilst two of Slot's compatriots - Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch have produced their best showings for the Reds. After opting to work with Klopp's squad the current manager is ready for a far busier summer this year.
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