Jurgen Klopp, the legendary former Liverpool manager, has shared that he’s planning to return to Anfield this season to join the fans in celebrating what looks like a Premier League title for the Reds.
However, he admitted that he’s been hesitant to show up before, fearing that his presence might somehow jinx the team.
Klopp’s Legendary Exit and the Reds’ Current Success
Klopp hasn’t set foot in Liverpool since leaving the club at the end of last season, ending a remarkable nine-year stint.
During his time at Anfield, he led the team to Premier League glory, a Champions League win, two League Cups, and an FA Cup.
His departure left a void, but his successor, Arne Slot, has had a smooth transition, with the team currently 13 points ahead of second-place Arsenal in the title race, with only 10 matches left to play.
Why Klopp Is Waiting to Return
Klopp confirmed his intention to return to Liverpool to be part of the celebrations when they are likely crowned champions.
However, he explained why he’s been cautious about attending any matches so far.
He admitted that he’s been avoiding a visit to Anfield, not wanting to jinx the team, especially if Liverpool were to lose a match with him in the stands.
He spoke candidly about his plans, saying, “I’ll be there with the people I saw when we were on the bus.
I’ll be there for the last game… I didn’t want to go earlier because I didn’t want to jinx it.”
Klopp made it clear that he didn’t want his first return to be the cause of a defeat, adding, “If I’m in the stadium for the first time and they lose, ‘oh f*** sake’.”
Arne Slot’s Invitation to Klopp
Arne Slot, Klopp’s successor, has expressed multiple times that Klopp is always welcome to return whenever he wants.
Slot revealed that he had invited Klopp to come back for the home games against Manchester City and Real Madrid but Klopp was elsewhere in the world at the time.
Slot made it clear that Klopp can visit any time, whether for a game or to catch up at the training ground in Kirkby.
“I didn’t want to go earlier because I didn’t want to jinx it,” Klopp explained.
And while Klopp’s been enjoying his time off after leaving Liverpool, he now holds a new role as Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull, which he started in January.
Klopp’s Return in Time for the Final Game
With Liverpool’s title dreams within reach, Klopp is set to return to Merseyside on the final day of the season when the Reds face Crystal Palace.
His return will undoubtedly be a special moment, marking the end of a successful season for Liverpool and an emotional reunion for Klopp, who played such a pivotal role in their recent triumphs.