JURGEN KLOPP may walk away from football for good today.
The departing Liverpool boss, 56, ended his reign with a 2-0 win over 10-man Wolves at Anfield thanks to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah.
Third place and a spot in next season’s Champions League had already been guaranteed.
So even if Klopp declared himself in “game mode” before kick – off it was only ever about him.
What mattered far more was that the farewell was fitting and the faithful made very sure of that, as did his players.
Arne Slot may have been watching in Holland as he prepares to take over this week and, if he were not aware of the void that he will be filling before this tear–filled farewell, then he is now.
Wolves – at the end of boss Gary O’Neil’s first fine season – were never really at the races and by the 28th minute they were also down to ten men.
Nelson Semedo mindlessly dived in on Mac Allister – his challenge initially bringing a booking from referee Chris Kavanagh.
Once upon a time Klopp would have been screaming for tougher justice but while he remained calm, VAR David Coote suggested another look and Kavanagh upgraded the card to red.
Six minutes later Mac Allister was nodding home the first goal, rising ahead of Santiago Bueno to meet Harvey Elliott’s cross.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Just before the break, the lead was doubled as centre-back Quansah stretched to connect with Mohamed Salah’s shot.
Luis Diaz should have made it three but hit the bar.
The poetic end of Egyptian king Salah scoring the final goal of Klopp’s reign was denied as his 69th-minute shot was tipped over brilliantly by Jose Sa.
But it did not spoil the party as the players ran to hug their manager.
After the game, Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports: “I’ve got no words.
“It’s been an emotional day. It was always going to be a tough afternoon.
“You can’t prepare for these situations, these moments. He deserves every bit of the love that he is getting at the moment.”
The legendary German has suggested he may not return to the dugout.
Per Fabrizio Romano, Klopp admitted: “It will be a long break, for sure. It might even be it.
“My time in England is definitely over because I will not coach another team here.
“If I manage again, it will not be around the corner”.
Klopp paid an emotional farewell to Liverpool after a remarkable eight and a half-year spell in charge of the Reds.
The veteran tactician is exhausted by the demands of the job and plans to escape the spotlight by heading for the peace and tranquillity of his Mallorca mansion.
Sources close to Klopp say he is genuinely jaded by management.
And he is now keen to enjoy a low-key life away from the media glare.
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Real Madrid are reportedly targeting Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister,
Meanwhile, Champions League new boys Aston Villa are eyeing up Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher.
Roberto De Zerbi will leave Brighton – with talk over who’ll replace him hotting up.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
Klopp provided a glimpse into his now former office after a “strange and emotional” Liverpool training session.
The former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz boss shocked fans by joining Instagram and then issuing a sweet farewell video.
He then followed that up with another video in which he provided supporters with a look inside his office at the club’s training ground.
“So, here I am, last day in the office. Last session done and it was strange I would say.
“Obviously, I decide what I think until I get overwhelmed tomorrow.
“So, I will leave this place which is… erm… yeah… an interesting experience I would say.”
