Klopp bids farewell with final day win over Wolves

Liverpool sent departing manager Jurgen Klopp on his way with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Wolves as the Anfield faithful finally bade an emotional farewell to their beloved boss after eight and a half years.

- CARL MARKHAM

Klopp was dressed cap-to-trainers in funereal black for his 491st and final game but, while there were tears, the atmosphere was nothing but celebratory.

The Kop restored some of the old favourites to their songbook, hailing some of the now-departed greats – Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi – of the manager’s reign.

However, fittingly it was two players who represent the longerterm future of Liverpool – Alexis Mac Allister signed last summer in a midfield revamp and 21-year-old centre-back Jarell Quansah – who scored the goals after Nelson Semedo was sent off.

After almost nine years of stability there is uncertainty ahead at almost every turn as the majority of the backroom staff will leave with Klopp and the likes of 30-somethings Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold entering the final year of their contracts.

There is plenty for incoming Feyenoord boss Arne Slot to deal with but he has at least been left with a squad which, but for a two-week blip in April, would probably have been in the finalday title picture instead of providing the support act to Klopp’s Anfield farewell.

The records he leaves are almost too numerous to mention but, aside from seven major trophies, include Liverpool’s longest unbeaten league run at home – three years and 272 days between 2017 and 2021.