In what could be described as a particularly moving outing at Anfield, news broke that our dear Sinéad’s tune ‘Nothing Compares 2 U’ echoed throughout the stadium, setting the tone for Jürgen Klopp’s adieu match. It wouldn’t have been a surprise if there had been a sobbing epidemic in Liverpool’s red region.
Sky left no stone unturned in churning up emotions, as they broadcasted Klopp as he watched past and current colleagues pay their respects. Not a Kleenex box in sight could meet the needs. Trent Alexander-Arnold was amongst them stating his unwavering trust in Klopp with a metaphor about the weather.
This was an emphasis on how highly skilled managers can fuel their teams to overcome significant barriers. It was now Mikel Arteta’s turn to motivate his Arsenal squad, convincing them that winning the Premier League title was not a farfetched dream.
Who knows what he murmured to his cadre as they exited the locker room? Perhaps Amazon Prime has it on tape. Maybe it was an encouragement like: “If Scottie Scheffler can end up in cuffs, you lot can bag the Premier League.”
However, their fate was tied to West Ham’s performance, an uncomfortable position. They, unfortunately, crumbled in 79 seconds, courtesy of a goal from Phil Foden. A sigh from Gary Neville accentuated the moment the ball hit the net.
In a controversial choice of attire, Neville arrived at the venue in a tee and jacket, while Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp donned a suit and tie. A subtle hint at a rebellious streak during what seemed like an imminent historic four-in-a-row event.
The air of certainty thickened when Foden scored a second goal just 18 minutes in. This left Paul Merson in dismay at the Sky station, broadcasting the final day, including a match between Chelsea and Bournemouth, leading to ambiguity among viewers.
In a tone of defeat, Merse exclaimed, “It’s come to an end”, and hinted at calling it a day and retreating home, perhaps to a screening of Neighbours.
Whilst Everton took the early lead against Arsenal, he felt compelled to switch channels to Home and Away. But the mood shifted when West Ham hit the net, and hope was ignited once again.
“You felt it was done and dusted,” proclaimed our overseer, David Jones, with a grin.
However, the game’s fate was virtually sealed when Rodri netted the third goal, creating a comfortable 3-1 lead. It was a cue to divert attention from the title contest and focus on the emotional scene unfolding at Anfield.
A banner unfurled on The Kop reading, “Cynics > Believers > Victors,” and Lionel Klopp was serenaded as the game neared its conclusion. Jamie Carragher was visibly moved.
“He will, undoubtedly, be a colossal loss,” he uttered during the lengthy farewell ceremony that rivalled even the duration of Eurovision.
Farewells were also extended to Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip, their names echoing around Anfield, along with a handful of backroom staff members, like Andreas Kornmayer, the head of fitness and conditioning. The audience clapped respectfully, but refrained from an ebullient rendition of ‘only one Andreas Kornmayer’.
At length, Klopp took to centre stage, donning a hoodie that read “Ta, Love.” The spectators managed to hold back the tears until he declared, “I adore you all.” He implored them to support his successor wholeheartedly, even proposing a cheer: “Arne Slot, la la la la la la”. The crowd attempted a spirited response, but their hearts weren’t in it. They were heartbroken.
“It feels as if your closest mate is emigrating to the other side of the world,” Carra said, “you adore him and know that you won’t see him for what feels like an eternity. You might run into him when you least expect, but the uncertainty lingers.”
The observation that Klopp had cultivated more relationships than he had won trophies during his Liverpool tenure was met with laughter, and Carra implied it was “almost as significant”. Those laughing, he inferred, do not truly comprehend the depth of that bond.
By switching between channels this Sunday, it became apparent that a higher degree of sentiment was present in Anfield as compared to the City of Manchester Stadium after the game. Despite the likelihood of Guardiola clinching more titles, it seems Klopp has clearly won over a greater number of admirers. That’s a legacy one can be proud of.