What will be Jurgen Klopp's final game as Liverpool manager?

© IMAGO

Back in January, Jurgen Klopp stunned the footballing world with the announcement that he will be stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The 56-year-old cited diminishing energy levels as a reason for his decision, though he promised to give everything for one 'last dance' in his remaining months, with Liverpool chasing an unprecedented quadruple.

Having already lifted the Carabao Cup, thanks to Virgil van Dijk's extra-time winner against Chelsea back in February, the Reds are still in the hunt for four trophies this season, as they compete for the Premier League title alongside the FA Cup and Europa League.

Cameras have been allowed behind the scenes at Liverpool to document the historic campaign, with a documentary set for release some time in the near future, while there are reportedly plans for an open-top bus tour to celebrate the manager.

Whatever happens, it promises to be a characteristically exciting and emotional end for Klopp after more than eight-and-a-half years in the job at Anfield.

Why is Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool?

Back in 2022, Klopp signed a contract extension tying him to Anfield until 2026. However, his announcement in January means he will walk away two years ahead of schedule.

The German, who is the Premier League's longest-serving manager currently, revealed he had made his decision last November, after realising he could not take on another season.

He said in his official club announcement: “I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”

© IMAGO - Sparta Prague v Liverpool Europa League 07/03/2024. Round of 16 Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool thanks fans at full time during the Europa League Round of 16 match between Sparta Prague and Liverpool at epet ARENA, Prague, Czech Republic on 7 March 2024. Editorial use only , Copyright: xNigelxKeenex PSI-19187-0047

He continued: “I told the club already in November. I have to explain a little bit that maybe the job I do people see from the outside, I’m on the touchline and in training sessions and stuff like this, but the majority of all the things happen around these kind of things. That means a season starts and you plan pretty much the next season already.

“When we sat there together talking about potential signings, the next summer camp and can we go wherever, the thought came up, ‘I am not sure I am here then anymore’ and I was surprised myself by that. I obviously start thinking about it.

“It didn’t start [then], but of course last season was kind of a super-difficult season and there were moments when at other clubs probably the decision would have been, ‘Come on, thank you very much for everything but probably we should split here, or end it here.’ That didn’t happen here, obviously.

“For me it was super, super, super-important that I can help to bring this team back onto the rails. It was all I was thinking about. When I realised pretty early that happened, it’s a really good team with massive potential and a super age group, super characters and all that, then I could start thinking about myself again and that was the outcome. It is not what I want to [do], it is just what I think is 100 per cent right.”

What will be Jurgen Klopp's last game at as Liverpool manager?

The clock is ticking on Klopp's time at Anfield. With each passing week, his number of remaining games gets fewer and fewer.

As it stands, Klopp final match as Liverpool manager will also be his last outing at Anfield and his last ride in the Premier League.

All fixtures are subject to change, but Klopp's final game for Liverpool will see his side take on Wolves at home on Sunday, 19 May — the final gameweek of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

As well as being an emotional day for Klopp and all fans, it could be a highly significant one.

With the title race seemingly going to the wire, the Reds could need a result on the final day to secure the Premier League title.

© IMAGO - Sport Bilder des Tages Liverpool v Luton Town - Premier League - Anfield Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates at the end of the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Wednesday February 21, 2024. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 75409154

While the Wolves' match is currently scheduled to be Klopp's send-off, there is a chance that there will be one more game after that.

If Liverpool make it all the way to the Europa League final on 22nd May in Dublin, three days after the end of the Premier League campaign, that will become the boss' farewell match instead.

The Reds, who are strong tournament favourites, have been drawn against Atalanta in the quarter-finals, with either Benfica or Marseille to face in the semis should they progress.

That potential clash in Dublin could have added narrative if Klopp comes face to face with Bayer Leverkusen.

The Germans are managed by Xabi Alonso, who is widely tipped to be Klopp's Liverpool successor.

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