ColumnHenry Winter: The connection between Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool will never be broken

Liverpool bid farewell to more than a legendary manager as Jürgen Klopp leaves.

Liverpool part with a smiling motivator, a close friend, a beacon in dark times like lockdown, someone who “got” the club and the people. Just as the club and the people got into Klopp’s heart.

Separation is painful for all involved because of all they’ve shared. Everyone knows Klopp’s connection with Liverpool fans is emotional and unending. That connection will never be broken, just because he’s not standing in front of the Kop thumping the crest on his chest anymore. Klopp’s given so many people so much joy and leadership and so many unforgettable memories.

Warm memories to dry the farewell tears.

Memories like Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner to Divock Origi to settle the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2019. Memories like Mo Salah and Origi scoring to win the Champions League in Madrid in 2019. Memories like that unbelievable winning run of 26 of their first 27 matches in romping to the title in 2020.

Memories like the win over United at Old Trafford in 2021 or the win over United at Anfield in 2023. 5-0, 7-0, inflation? No, just more inspiration from Klopp.

He brought the best out of so many players, unleashed Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to express their buccaneering brilliance. He placed faith in so many of the next generation like Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott and they have responded superbly.

He looked at the midfield and rebuilt it with the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. Klopp leaves his successor so much good material to work with and such strong foundations to build on.

So many tributes currently celebrate Klopp’s transformative impact on Liverpool.

Amidst these rich reflections on events at Anfield, it is also vital to record and revere Klopp’s influence on the game across the land. It’s far and wide.

It’s first tactical: switches and interchanges, flying full-backs, inventive passing, three forwards, overloads and urgency all over. It’s gegenpressing the life out of the opposition.

Other managers look, learn and look to incorporate the style. Klopp’s sway pervades the pristine lawns of the Premier League fields down into grassroots.

Young coaches and managers ascending the ladder are fascinated by Klopp’s demeanour, his words and body language in press conferences. He exudes passion for the game and emotional engagement with players and supporters. Others try to emulate that.

In an early, typically eloquent mission statement at Anfield, Klopp promised fans that “the only thing I can do is to put all I have – my knowledge, passion, heart, experience, everything – and I throw it into this club, 100 per cent”. Inspirational. Because he’s so obviously genuine, and carries a natural authority, those sentiments chime even more strongly with fans. Whether it’s a private letter to someone in their hour of need or grand public statement to adoring thousands, Klopp cares.

As he pledged to fans in his famous first programme notes, “The team will go out and battle for you and look to represent you, the club and the city in how we approach our work. This is my commitment.” Liverpool fans immediately appreciated they had a warrior of a leader, and duly followed him.

His commitment to his players is unconditional, another quality analysed by young coaches learning their trade and also, discreetly, by some players at other clubs.

Players want to play for Klopp because of the style of football and because of his character traits. He backed them and backed them and they ran through walls for him.

His take on man-management should become a module on the Pro Licence course: “I love to be something like a friend of the player, but not their best friend.” That’s key. That’s the right balance, understanding and demanding.

He was the king of one-liners, a dream for the media, and guaranteed to bring more sunshine and smiles into fans’ lives. “If you had Wikipedia or Google and put in ‘European nights’ the answer must be Anfield.’’ This is so much more than a powerful image and a clever line. It’s inspirational for Liverpool fans to hear and disconcerting for visiting fans.

I’ve interviewed Klopp only once, and he’s easily in the top five of the 1,000 or so football figures I’ve had the good fortune to interview. He’s fun. We talked music and travel as well as headers and volleys. He enjoys life.

He certainly enjoys victories, celebrating Liverpool’s sixth European Cup in Madrid in style. “Let’s talk about six, baby,” he sang to Jan Aage Fjortoft, the ex-pro expert interviewer on ViaPlay. He almost fell off Liverpool’s open-top bus.

He’s generous of spirit, too. Accepting the award for FIFA’s best men’s coach for 2020, Klopp name-checked all the members of his backroom staff and kitchen staff.

Gestures like that add to his popularity. Klopp’s going to be sorely missed as a wonderful man as well as a legendary manager.