Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that he will only return to Anfield once Liverpool has mathematically secured the Premier League title this season. The former manager, who stepped down at the end of last season, has yet to revisit the stadium where he spent nine remarkable years.
Since his departure, Arne Slot has taken charge, leading the team to an impressive 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League, a place in the Champions League round of 16, and a Carabao Cup final.
During his time at Liverpool, Klopp managed to surpass the 90-point mark in three different seasons but secured only one Premier League title. Despite that, there is no resentment towards his successor, who is on track to add to the club’s list of honors. Klopp remains supportive from a distance, watching as Liverpool continues its dominant form under new leadership.
Speaking at a Q&A session during the tenth anniversary of the Hout Bay United Football Community, a charity in Cape Town that he has long supported, Klopp addressed questions about a potential return for a title celebration. When asked whether he would attend an open-top bus parade if Liverpool won the league, he confirmed his plans but clarified his role in the event. He stated that while he intends to be in the city, he will not be part of the parade but will celebrate alongside the fans who witness it.
Klopp also shared his reasons for staying away from Liverpool since stepping down. He expressed concern that his presence might bring bad luck, saying he wanted to avoid being in the stadium only for the team to lose. He admitted he would only return once the title was secured, ensuring his visit had no impact on the team’s success. He indicated that he expects to be in Liverpool for the final game of the season, once everything is decided.
Other legendary managers have handled their post-departure periods differently. Sir Alex Ferguson, for instance, transitioned from managing Manchester United straight into a director’s role after retiring in 2013. Arsène Wenger, on the other hand, took over four years to return to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium following his exit. Klopp’s approach has been to give the new manager space while maintaining a deep connection to the club from afar.
Liverpool has a strong history of smoothly transitioning between iconic managers, and Slot is proving to be another successful appointment. This tradition dates back to Bill Shankly’s departure in 1974, which stunned fans just as Klopp’s did. Shankly’s successor went on to achieve great success, and Liverpool maintained its dominance despite the managerial change. However, unlike Klopp, Shankly struggled with his decision to leave and often returned to the club’s training ground, to the point where he had to be restricted from visiting.
Klopp, in contrast, has respected the boundaries of his departure, allowing the new leadership to thrive without interference. When he does return, it will be as a celebrated figure, welcomed back into a city that still holds him in the highest regard. If Liverpool finishes the season as champions, his homecoming will be one of celebration, marking the perfect reunion between Klopp and the club he helped shape into a modern powerhouse.
