Plus: Jurgen Klopp thinks he could have won more trophies, admits he would vote to scrap VAR in its current format, and describes Liverpool's 2024 Carabao Cup final win as his "favourite final"; watch Liverpool vs Wolves live on Sky Sports from 3pm on Sunday; kick-off 4pm
Friday 17 May 2024 12:26, UK
In his final press conference as Liverpool manager, an emotional Jurgen Klopp discussed his best moments, his "special" relationship with the club's fans, why he would scrap VAR and more...
After almost nine years in charge, Klopp manages Liverpool for the final time on Sunday as Wolves travel to Anfield, live on Sky Sports, and the German described how he has been spending his final week on Merseyside.
"It's been the most intense week of my life. We've had great moments already," he said.
"We don't have to pretend it's a normal week because it isn't. I'm a very pragmatic person. This is the last game of the season and after that, it's a holiday.
"Yesterday, the players said goodbye. We had a barbecue here. It's a lot. I have emotional moments of course. I don't know how many shirts I signed! It's all part of the thing.
"Saying goodbye is never nice but saying goodbye without feeling sad or hurt, that would have meant the time was not good. The time was great. It will be tough."
Since being appointed in October 2015, Klopp has led Liverpool to eight trophies, including the Champions League and their first league title in 30 years.
Could he have been more successful? It's something the 56-year-old has thought about in depth.
"I know we could have won more but I can't change that. We could have won less as well," Klopp said.
"Not being champion by a point is not a great experience but it's an experience. I couldn't have done anything different in these moments.
"When we don't score at Man City when the ball wasn't over the line, and then Sergio Aguero scores at Burnley when it is just over the line. That is not my fault!
"We could have won more Champions Leagues. Being in three finals is an outstanding achievement. There is a good chance you lose the final, that's how it is. Real Madrid, they always find a way to win it. We tried again.
"I would not be happy if I thought I could have done more. I couldn't have done more. Could someone else have done better? Possibly. But not me, and I'm fine with it. It'll be judged by the people and most are fine with it."
Of all the trophies Klopp has won, it's perhaps surprising to hear his favourite is this season's Carabao Cup. Liverpool's victory over Chelsea in February was achieved with an injury-hit squad and some impressive performances from the club's young players.
"This was my favourite final," he said. "We know how people see the Carabao Cup but in that moment it felt absolutely outstanding.
"It showed everything this club is about. Our people can create some special moments. That night we all created something really special.
"From the club's point of view, it was the best night of our lives. I loved it. I loved to see the kids' eyes. And the other ones, Virgil, skipper, first trophy. A fantastic night, I'll never forget it."
Klopp has created an unbreakable bond with Liverpool supporters over the years, summed up by the incredible atmosphere at Anfield. As he took time to reflect this week, the Reds boss admitted he cried reading some letters from fans.
"I love Anfield to bits, I love it when it's full. Anfield is a super special place, because of the people. The people make it," he said.
"The club is special, the club means the world to so many people. Emails, letters, if I answer them all I'm here until 2028. I apologise. I couldn't sort tickets for the last game, there were a lot of requests.
"LFC TV had me read letters yesterday. With one, I burst into tears. Football changes lives and I know that. We did that.
"The experience is there to learn from. Keep doing it for the next manager and you will feel the same way. We have very special supporters. The last nine years meant the world to them. I'm happy about that."
Beyond the silverware, Klopp has become more than just a football manager to many on Merseyside. That feeling was epitomised in 2022 with the move to give him the freedom of Liverpool.
"The older you get, time slips through your fingers, and you look back and think, that was great. We used absolutely everything, tried to make the best out of everything, enjoy things as much as possible. A decade of your life is massive, and I will not forget a day. I was at the best club I could have imagined, in a very special city.
"Nothing is perfect nowadays, but the way the people meet you, the way they treat you - it's wonderful to know I spent a big time of my life here. I got the key of the city, I'm sure for some people that is rather funny, but if the city needs me I am there. I want to be helpful in whatever way."
Klopp will not be the only significant departure at Anfield this summer. Defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara will both leave Liverpool when their contracts expire this summer.
"Have you ever seen a better free transfer than Joel Matip? Ridiculously funny and a wonderful man. He has to make a decision if he wants to play on. Whoever gets him is a lucky club because he is a world-class footballer and super humble.
"I would have loved to see Thiago's career without injuries. One of the best I have ever seen. In control of everything on the pitch.
"I told them thank you for everything they did. They were all brilliant. If they weren't, they would have left last year."
Klopp was also asked about VAR during his final press conference and admits he would vote for scrapping the technology because the officials in charge of it "are not able to use it properly".
Wolves submitted a resolution on Wednesday calling for a vote by Premier League clubs to get rid of the system at the league's annual general meeting.
While it is understood Liverpool's hierarchy do not necessarily share Klopp's view, the Reds boss believes if it is not applied correctly then it is not worth keeping.
"I think Premier League clubs are voting about how VAR gets used because it is definitely not right.
"I wouldn't vote against VAR, I'd vote against how it's used. These people are not capable of using it properly. VAR is not the problem.
"I would vote for scrapping VAR the way it is."
As Wolves look to dampen the mood at Anfield this weekend, Klopp admits he has no idea what will be going through the minds of his players as they take to the field under him for the final time.
"This is a massive challenge, I have no clue how the team are thinking. The documentary crew asked for the last team meeting, I said no.
"It will be a tough atmosphere against Wolves, a strong team, the most unlucky team I have ever seen with VAR. They will want to finish on a high, we will prepare as good as normal.
"Standing there and pretend it is a normal game, no one would believe that. But it will be easier to celebrate if we put in a good game before."
The final day of the 2023/24 Premier League season takes place this weekend. Watch Liverpool vs Wolves live on Sky Sports from 3pm on Sunday; kick-off 4pm.
