Jurgen Klopp addresses his Liverpool players for the final time in emotional dressing room scenes… as his nine-year reign at Anfield comes to an end: ‘I’m so proud of you’

Jurgen Klopp addressed his Liverpool players for the last time on Sunday evening after the curtain fell on his time in the Anfield dugout.

Klopp ended his nine-year reign with a 2-0 win over Wolves as Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah got on the scoresheet.

But the result was never the main focus of the day, and everyone was fully aware that Klopp was on his way to moving on, just like his first team stars. When the players returned to the dressing room, the German coach gave his final emotional speech. He started by emphasizing that he was more than happy with his team’s season despite missing out on the Premier League title.

“The football you can play is absolutely ridiculous,” he said. “I can’t wait to see you develop and take the next steps.”

After being told that Manchester City had won their fourth title in a row – with Liverpool the last team to stop them in 2020 – Klopp added: ‘You can do that again. I told you this morning. There may be people who say to you, “That’s not enough,” I tell you, they have no idea about football.

After telling his players he loved them and was proud of them, Klopp left the dressing room for the last time to loud applause.

“Could we have done better in just a few moments? Yes, of course that is always possible. But have we done better than you would normally expect? Oh yeah, because it takes longer to become a top team again, and you did it in no time (clicks fingers).

‘Then my expectations became (high) and we couldn’t keep up the pace. That’s kind of the problem.

‘Guys, we finished third in the first season with Liverpool 2.0 and from now on with new energy from outside, with new influences, with new impulses, to prove yourself, that’s good to squeeze everything out of your career.’

During his nine years on Merseyside, Klopp won seven major trophies, including the Carabao Cup for the second time in his final season.

However, he concluded his speech by speaking to his players on a more personal level, thanking them for their part in his journey at Liverpool since joining the club in 2015.

‘I just want to say: I love you. It was absolutely excellent. Thank you for the ride, I’m so proud of you and I’m so proud to have been a part of this,” he said.

“Thank you very much, and the sky is the limit for you guys,” before Klopp left the dressing room to applause from the entire team.

Virgil van Dijk was in tears as he hugged Jurgen Klopp on the pitch after the final whistle

Trent Alexander-Arnold was also seen crying as Klopp addressed the crowd one last time

Klopp led the chants for Arne Slot, who will replace him at Anfield next season

He concluded by giving his signature fist bumps to the audience in the Kop

His final address to his players came at the end of an emotional day at Anfield that started with Klopp fighting back tears during the home crowd’s pre-match rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

After full time, Klopp stepped onto the pitch to hug his team, with captain Virgil van Dijk crying on his shoulder as they hugged.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – who was handed his professional debut by Klopp – also broke down in tears as Klopp took the microphone and spoke to the Liverpool fans, leading the chants for his replacement, Arne Slot.

Klopp then performed his trademark fist bumps in front of the Kop before leaving the Anfield grass for the final time.