Jurgen Klopp received a hero’s welcome on his return to Anfield in the Liverpool legends charity match on Saturday.
The former Reds boss was the star attraction as a Legends XI took on another of Klopp’s former clubs in Borussia Dortmund, with the match finishing 2-2.
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The annual match saw a host of star names lace up their boots in aid of the LFC Foundation.
And Klopp, who is the honorary ambassador for the LFC Foundation, joined a star-studded management team for the day spearheaded by Kenny Dalglish.
The German joined Dalglish, Ian Rush and John Aldridge in pulling the strings from the dugout on a momentous afternoon at Anfield.
Fans turned out in their droves to get a first glimpse of Klopp who left Anfield in May 2024 after guiding the club to Premier League and Champions League glory during his tenure.
Fans flocked to see their former hero
Unsurprisingly, Klopp was mobbed by fans on his first return to Anfield since stepping down as manager.
Liverpool’s club media managed to interrupt the frenzy to get a word with Klopp before kick off and the 58-year-old expressed his happiness at being pitchside at Anfield once again.
‘It’s great to be back,” Klopp said. “When I left here, I didn’t know how often I could come back.
“I didn’t want to jinx it or create the wrong expectations. But this is great and there’s no doubt I had to come and support the Foundation.
“I didn’t see them [my old Dortmund stars] for a long time. It’s nice being here with no pressure to just enjoy it!
“I hope the players can entertain in a different way.”
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Success beyond Klopp’s wildest dreams
Asked if he ever envisioned achieving the success he did during his eight-and-a-half years at Anfield, Klopp replied: “How dumb you would be to dream that big.
“I was positive about my future. Where I came from, to achieve that big, was a miracle,’ he said.
“You have to work hard, but ending up here at one of the biggest clubs in the world and the most emotional club in the world.
“Even when I looked at an empty stadium, I felt the pride that I was here for nine years. It was my home and it is. It’s ridiculous!”
Klopp also spoke of his admiration for the LFC Foundation and the impact of making positive change on people and their communities.
“The LFC Foundation means everything to me,” he said. “It means the world to me.
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Liverpool Legends squad for the match against Borussia Dortmund
Goalkeepers: Jerzy Dudek, Pepe Reina, Sander Westerveld
Defenders: Sami Hyypia, Martin Skrtel, Ragnar Klavan, Martin Kelly, Fabio Aurelio, Gregory Vignal
Midfielders: Steven Gerrard, Thiago, Yossi Benayoun, Vladimir Smicer, Igor Biscan, Mark Gonzalez, Jay Spearing, Louise Schillgard
Forwards: Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel, Jermaine Pennant, Albert Riera, Florent Sinama-Pongolle, Natasha Dowie
Manager: Kenny Dalglish
Assistant manager: Jurgen Klopp
Coaches: Ian Rush, John Aldridge
“Seeing the eyes and the smiles [of the people they help]. We’re on the lucky side. We have to make sure that people with a different starting base get the chance.
“I’m over the moon about what I’ve seen in the last few days. I met so many people.
“We did walking football, probably the only sport I can do properly now. One guy was 90, playing every Friday!
“When you live somewhere, you have to try and make it a little better.
“They [the Foundation] are helping in the smallest corners.”
