Goodbye Klopp! Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk break down in TEARS on the pitch as LFC say farewell to Klopp… as both stalwarts contemplate their own futures with just 12 months left on their deals

After Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold embraced Jurgen Klopp after his last Liverpool game, the two could not contain their emotions.

The Reds defeated Wolves 2-0 at Anfield in the first half courtesy to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah, but it didn’t matter as all eyes were on Klopp when the final whistle blew. This was the culmination of Klopp’s nine-year rule.

At full time, he stepped onto his pitch and gave his captain, Van Dijk, a hug. After playing for Klopp for more than six years, the Dutchman broke down in tears in an incredibly moving moment.

With Van Dijk and Klopp at the core of their success, Liverpool has won seven major championships in that period.

Liverpool won the Champions League in just the year after Van Dijk joined the team in January 2018, and in 2020 they won the Premier League for the first time in thirty years.Virgil van Dijk was in tears as he hugged Jurgen Klopp on the pitch after his final match in charge of Liverpool

Virgil van Dijk was in tears as he hugged Jurgen Klopp on the pitch after his final match in charge of Liverpool

He cried on Klopp's shoulder after an emotional afternoon at Anfield

He cried on Klopp’s shoulder after an emotional afternoon at Anfield

One of Liverpool’s most prosperous recent eras was highlighted by the Club World Cup, two Carabao Cups, an FA Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Last month, Van Dijk acknowledged that he had been “dreading” Klopp’s departure since the 56-year-old boss made the announcement in January.

Following his embraces with each of his players, Klopp addressed the Anfield faithful, urging them to support new manager Arne Slot, who announced on Friday that he will succeed Klopp as manager going forward.

Then, as he accepted the praise from the supporters, Klopp gave the Kop his signature fist bump.

Playing all of his senior club football under Klopp, Alexander-Arnold was also observed crying as his teammates looked on.

In 2017, Klopp made the decision to give Alexander-Arnold his professional debut as a youngster. Since then, the full back has excelled and is now regarded as one of the finest right backs in world football.

Trent Alexander-Arnold also couldn't hold back the tears after full time on Sunday

Trent Alexander-Arnold also couldn’t hold back the tears after full time on Sunday

He has admitted he owes everything to Klopp for showing faith in him when he came through the academy

He has admitted he owes everything to Klopp for showing faith in him when he came through the academy

Klopp spoke to the crowd after full time and urged them to back incoming boss Arne Slot

Klopp spoke to the crowd after full time and urged them to back incoming boss Arne Slot

After his recent growth, Alexander-Arnold has acknowledged that he owes Klopp everything and that it will be “strange” to play under a different boss next season.

Following the game, he posted a video of himself and Klopp from the beginning of his career on X with the message, “Thank you, Gaffer.”

Both Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk have one year left on their current contracts, so in the upcoming weeks and months, they will need to make important decisions about their futures.

It remains to be seen if they decide to stay at Liverpool with Slot in the dugout, but the Reds will be anxious to hold onto the club mainstays for many more seasons.

After leading Liverpool to third place in the Premier League—nine points behind champion Manchester City—in his final season in charge, Klopp steps down. 

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