Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp has opened up on an 'emotional' meeting with his players as he prepares to bid farewell to Anfield. The German will take charge of Liverpool for the final time against Wolves on Sunday.
Klopp announced back in January that this would be his last game at the club, with fans and players given months to prepare for his exit. Yet the Reds boss says this week has even caught him off guard, admitting it has been the 'most intense' of his life.
It is sure to be an emotional occasion at Anfield as supporters get their opportunity to thank Klopp for all he has done during his nine-year tenure.
Liverpool without three players vs Wolves but Jürgen Klopp ace could make surprise return
Jürgen Klopp's incredible gesture to young son of Liverpool coach after life-changing incident
A BBQ was held at Liverpool's AXA Training Centre on Thursday with the players, who paid their own tributes to Klopp and his staff. Assistant Pep Lijnders will be leaving to take over at Red Bull Salzburg alongside Vitor Matos, with several other key figures following Klopp out of the exit.
He reflected on what was said during that meeting, with a special mention for captain Virgil van Dijk. Klopp said (via the Liverpool ECHO): "I know myself, I am super-emotional. In a little moment, I was super-emotional this week.
"On Thursday, the players did an incredibly nice thing speaking about me and other members of staff who are leaving, Virgil did incredible. I only had to make a joke here and there. If I had started to say what I think, I would have been gone (emotionally). I knew it."
Van Dijk had paid his own tribute to Klopp ahead of his exit having been signed from Southampton, before being named captain last summer. He told Sky Sports: "He got me to Liverpool and that is one of the biggest things of my career.
"I am forever grateful for that opportunity. He obviously helped me and made me the player I am today. I am always grateful for him for helping me on that difficult journey."
