The world of football and beyond has been reacting to the shock news that Jurgen Klopp is to stand down as Liverpool manager at the end of the current season.
Klopp, who has been in charge at Anfield for more than eight years, cited a need to take a break from the stresses of management in a video statement released by Liverpool on Friday morning.
Since moving to Merseyside in October 2015, Klopp has guided Liverpool to a full house of domestic trophies - including the 2019/20 Premier League title. Further afield, the club has also won the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup under his stewardship.
His impact on both Liverpool and English football in general has been hugely significant, which was evident as reaction poured in across social media.
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND MORE!! You are one helluva manager and you’ll never be forgotten and more importantly YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!! The Reds will miss you!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🔴🔴❤️https://t.co/owGsPKjxwu
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 26, 2024
This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 26, 2024
I just thought it would be another few years away.
What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen! https://t.co/ajw372IEWX
Klopp's countryman, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, said: “Kloppo is one of the very best coaches in the world, he has always managed to influence the clubs where he worked. It's big news.”
Linda Pizzuti Henry, partner in FSG, the owners of Liverpool, was one of many others who paid tribute to Klopp and his body of work at the club.
Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi said the Premier League is "losing one of the best managers in the world", while Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag added that his departure is "no good for the Premier League".
Roberto De Zerbi says he understands why Jurgen Klopp is leaving Liverpool but the Premier League is losing one of the best coaches in the world 🌟pic.twitter.com/BSWiOT81T4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26, 2024
Erik ten Hag says Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool is 'no good for the Premier League' 👎pic.twitter.com/PQxl6wJk0E
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 26, 2024
"He's been an amazing manager, for Liverpool" 🔴
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) January 26, 2024
Roy Keane reflects on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tenure and announcement of his departure#LFC | #ITVFootball pic.twitter.com/nGM2WhxgNB
"He's been such a catalyst for change in the club."
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 26, 2024
Liverpool fans react to the news of Jurgen Klopp's decision to leave at the end of the season...#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ClXZriJTbV
"That's actually broken my heart..." 💔
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) January 26, 2024
When you're the bearer of bad news to @LFC fan, @dannycare#Klopp pic.twitter.com/eqCvYVHAbr
Canadian-American actor Will Arnett, who has appeared in TV shows such as Arrested Development, was too in shock about Klopp's departure.
Please respect my privacy in this difficult time https://t.co/fDRGuEgN51
— Will Arnett™ (@arnettwill) January 26, 2024
"Jurgen Klopp means everything to us!" 🙏
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 27, 2024
These Liverpool fans tell us just how important Klopp has been for their club and what it'll be like when he's gone... 🔴 pic.twitter.com/GktrTO4JNu
All great things inevitably come to an end but I thought it would be 2 or 3 years down the line.
Memories to last a lifetime. One of the greatest managers ever. #Klopp @LFC— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) January 26, 2024
