Ryan Gravenberch emerged as one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season under manager Arne Slot.
Signed by Jurgen Klopp in 2023, the Dutch midfielder struggled to hit top form in his debut campaign, possibly due to the position he was played in. But this season, he has proven to be irreplaceable, with Arne Slot credited for Gravenberch’s brilliance.
The 23-year-old played every single minute of Liverpool’s Premier League campaign and established himself as one of the best, if not the best, defensive midfielders in the country.
His outstanding form was recognised as he was named the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
While Klopp couldn’t get the best out of Gravenberch, the midfielder has now opened up about how the legendary manager’s shock departure announcement impacted the squad, including himself.
Ryan Gravenberch on how Liverpool players reacted to Klopp leaving
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gravenberch gave a behind-the-scenes scoop at the moment Klopp informed the players of his decision to leave Liverpool.
When asked about the reaction of the team to his former manager’s announcement, he revealed: “Yeah, it was most that (anxiety and worry) and also shock, you know, because no one expected him to leave and then we had a meeting and then he said he is leaving and everyone was shocked and after that yeah we were just like ‘what happens now’.”
Jurgen Klopp set to return to Anfield on Sunday to watch Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy
Klopp will be back to Anfield on Sunday as the Reds take on Crystal Palace in their final home game of the season.
The Reds will lift the Premier League trophy in front of a packed Anfield, an emotional moment made even more special by Klopp’s presence.
The German manager led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years back in 2020, but fans were unable to celebrate with the team due to COVID-19 restrictions. Now, they’ll finally get their moment.
Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool is massive. In addition to the 2020 Premier League title, he also won the FA Cup, League Cup (twice), UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Klopp came close to winning another with Liverpool, agonisingly losing by just a single point in both 2019 and 2022.
Klopp is also responsible for building a world-class squad before leaving, laying the perfect foundation for Arne Slot.
The Dutch manager acknowledged this during his victory speech after Liverpool were crowned the champions last month.