While the attention has been focused on Jürgen Klopp’s impending departure at the end of the 2023/24 season, the club have also confirmed that a number of players will leave the club following Sunday’s match against Wolves at Anfield.
Addressing the media for the final time as Liverpool boss, Klopp spoke about Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara and praised the duo for their contributions to the club’s success in recent years.
Embed from Getty Images‘We spoke a bit longer this week,’ said Klopp.
‘Have you ever seen a better free transfer than Joel Matip?’ he laughed, with the defender set to leave the club at the end of his contract after an eight-year stint on Merseyside.
‘You will not find a more likeable person than Joel Matip. He is funny in his own way. He is ridiculously funny, to be honest, and a wonderful man with a wonderful family.’
‘He has to make a decision, does he want to play on or not? We will see that or read it. But whoever gets him is a lucky club, definitely – because he is world-class and super humble. That together is really rare. Like, super humble.’
Embed from Getty ImagesKlopp acknowledged that while Thiago had a profound impact on his latter years as Liverpool boss, he ‘would have loved to see the career without injuries’ and added that the Spaniard is ‘definitely one of the best I ever saw.’
‘He can do things, I’m not sure before that I thought were possible. He is in control of absolutely everything on the pitch. Unfortunately, the body didn’t play exactly a part,’ admitted Klopp.
‘But he is in a good way, he looked really good yesterday and I’m sure he will want to give it a try again. I told them already thank you for everything they did, so I don’t think I have to tell you that now.’
‘But whoever leaves this club: we worked together in the last few years, they were all brilliant. If they wouldn’t have been brilliant, they would have left last year because we don’t carry problems with us. I’m really, really thankful for all of them.’