Star coach Jürgen Klopp still has the chance to win four titles in his final season with Liverpool FC. Two days after Klopp’s farewell announcement for the coming summer, Liverpool moved into the round of 16 of the FA Cup on Sunday. The Premier League table leaders deservedly won 5-2 (2-1) in the fourth round of the cup against second division club Norwich City, which is coached by Klopp’s friend David Wagner.
For the 56-year-old coach, the first game after announcing his retirement was a special one. In the final minutes, the fans in the stadium cheered him with chants, and Klopp appeared emotional even before kick-off during the anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone”. There were also numerous banners with “Thanks Boss” and other declarations of love and scarves with his name in the stadium. “I understand that it is very emotional,” Klopp told the BBC after the final whistle: “But in the games we have to be warriors and not celebrate the old man on the sidelines.”
Farewell TV documentary
“Don’t think about me anymore,” he said in an ITV interview before kick-off – a pious wish that no one heard. The successful coach laughed as he greeted the fans behind the dugout, then soaked up the unique atmosphere – before trying to get back to business as usual. In the round of 16, Liverpool will face either Watford FC or Southampton FC on February 28th. The two second division clubs have to play a replay after a 1-1 draw.
Without the injured Africa Cup participant and top striker Mohamed Salah, Curtis Jones (16th minute), Darwin Núñez (28th), Diogo Jota (53rd), substitute Virgil van Dijk (63rd) and Ryan Gravenberch (90th) scored. +5) Liverpool to victory in front of their own crowd at Anfield. Ben Gibson (22nd) scored to equalize for the guests. Borja Sainz scored the second, ultimately worthless goal for Norwich (69th). The Reds, who initially had Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the bench alongside van Dijk, could have won even more.
Klopp surprisingly announced on Friday that he would be stepping down as coach of Liverpool FC after the current season, triggering shocked reactions from fans and colleagues. Klopp’s contract at Anfield actually runs until mid-2026. However, he is running out of energy, the 56-year-old explained his decision.
Klopp won numerous trophies with the Reds and could win four more this season. The team is also in the League Cup final and is still involved in the Europa League. According to a report in the Sunday Mirror, Klopp and his team will be followed behind the scenes by TV cameras. Accordingly, the outgoing coach has agreed to a TV documentary about his last months at Anfield.
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Klopp did not want to comment on the future – neither that of his club nor his own. “The last thing you need here is advice from the old man who goes out and says: By the way, take this,” said the 56-year-old, who leaves a footprint as big as only legendary managers Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley before him .
Unlike his largely smooth transitions from Mainz to Dortmund to Liverpool, Klopp is now taking a break. He longs for a “normal life” that he hasn’t had in “too long.” He no longer knows “what’s normal,” but: “I’ll find things.”
Due to spectator riots, the local derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Cup was interrupted. After Matheus Cunha scored to make it 2-0 for Wolves in the 78th minute, fans streamed onto the pitch and a brawl broke out. A fan had to be led away with a bleeding head wound. Referee Thomas Bramall then interrupted the game and sent the teams to the dressing rooms.
The game between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers had to be interrupted. : Image: dpa
“The riots at the Black Country derby between West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are completely unacceptable,” the English Football Association FA wrote in a statement after the game: “Safety is of the utmost importance and the behavior of those involved is dangerous and inexcusable . We will investigate these serious incidents together with the clubs and the relevant authorities and the appropriate measures will be taken.”
When Wolves scored their first goal before the break, rockets flew into the area of the celebrating visiting fans. The game was the first meeting between the two rivals with spectators allowed in twelve years. After some time, the fourth round match could be continued from the 78th minute. Wolverhampton ultimately won 2-0.
