JURGEN KLOPP : ‘We could also have won fewer titles’

In his final press conference as Liverpool’s manager, before the match against Wolves in the 38th round of the Premier League, Jurgen Klopp spoke about his best memories and regrets at the club.

“We know we could have won more titles, but I can’t change that,” Klopp said on May 17 at Anfield. “We could also have won fewer titles. Losing the Premier League title by one point was not a great experience, but it was an experience. I couldn’t do anything else at that moment.”

The German coach also regarded reaching the Champions League final three times as an outstanding achievement, but he regretted winning only one of those finals. “Real always found a way to win, and we kept trying,” he expressed. “I wouldn’t be happy if I thought I could have done more. I couldn’t do more. Could someone else have done better? Maybe. But not me, and I’m okay with that.”

Klopp trong cuộc họp báo trước trận cuối cùng trên cương vị HLV Liverpool. Ảnh: liverpoolfc.com

Klopp at the press conference before his final match as Liverpool coach.

On January 26, Klopp announced he would leave Liverpool after the 2023-2024 season concludes, citing a lack of energy and affirming he would not manage another Premier League club.

During his more than eight years managing Liverpool, the German coach won eight titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and two EFL Cups.

Under Klopp’s leadership, Liverpool also reached the Champions League final twice, in 2018 and 2022, but lost both times to Real Madrid. The team also lost in the finals of the Europa League and the EFL Cup in 2016. In the Premier League, Liverpool finished second twice, trailing Manchester City by one point in the 2018-2019 and 2021-2022 seasons.

HLV Jurgen Klopp nâng Cup Liên đoàn sau khi cùng Liverpool hạ Chelsea 1-0 trong trận chung kết trên sân Wembley ngày 25/2/2024. Ảnh: AFP

Jurgen Klopp lifted the EFL Cup after Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024.

The final title in Klopp’s era came in February when Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the EFL Cup final at Wembley, thanks to Virgil Van Dijk’s header in the 118th minute. In that match, Liverpool was missing 11 first-team players, forcing Klopp to rely on many young players. Thus, the 56-year-old manager considers winning this year’s EFL Cup as the most special milestone in his managerial career.

“That was my favorite final with Liverpool,” Klopp said. “We know the EFL Cup is not highly regarded, but at that moment, it felt absolutely outstanding. That victory demonstrated the stature of Liverpool. That night, the whole team created something truly special. It was a wonderful night, and I will never forget it.”

Klopp một mình đến sân Anfield hôm 15/5 để ngắm nhìn sân đấu mà ông đã gắn bó tám năm.

Klopp visited Anfield alone on May 15 to take in the stadium where he had spent eight years.

Klopp admitted that the week leading up to tomorrow’s match against Wolves has been the most intense days of his life. “Yesterday, the players said their goodbyes,” he recounted. “We had a barbecue. Of course, I had emotional moments. I don’t know how many jerseys I signed. The time with the players has been wonderful but also very challenging.”

On May 17, Liverpool announced that defender Joel Matip and midfielder Thiago Alcantara would be leaving the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire. This means that the match against Wolves will be a farewell for Klopp, Matip, and Thiago.