'I saw Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool return - it showed what Reds are still missing'

Back at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp smiled at journalists' questions that were bellowed over the squeaks of excited children. The German's return was a reminder of just how adored he remains at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool return was a reminder of what the Reds have missed

There came a moment when even Jurgen Klopp could no longer ignore it.

He paused for just a brief second, looked in the direction of hopeful shrieks and flashed those famous pearly whites. Thronged outside the fence, the kids’ simple desire was granted: a brief moment of acknowledgement from their hero.

A little over two years ago, those same children were left crestfallen at Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool, as for the first time in their lives the prospect of a Liverpool not managed by the famous German dawned. So, back on Merseyside for just the second time since his Anfield exit, Klopp’s appearance inevitably drew crowds.

The iconic manager has returned for Saturday’s legends’ game at Anfield where he will take charge of a Reds team that includes Steven Gerrard, Thiago and Pepe Reina, against another of his former sides, Dortmund.

The annual game helps raise funds for the LFC Foundation, Liverpool’s official charity, which aims to tackle social inequality at home and abroad. It focuses on improving health, championing learning and enhancing employability opportunities. Last season alone, the Foundation supported over 145,000 people.

As the charity’s ambassador, Klopp’s decision to hold court for the media was not a surprise. Yet the scale of Friday’s event at Anfield Sports and Community Centre, a short walk from the club’s famous stadium, was a tad unexpected.

Last year’s muted press conference at the AXA Training Centre was attended by a smattering of reporters. Klopp’s appearance on Friday dwarfed that, with the 58-year-old also joined by ex-Reds Florent Sinama Pongolle and Natahasa Dowie, LFC Foundation CEO Matt Parish, and Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

What began as a quick visit from Klopp snowballed into a full afternoon of media activities, accompanied by a walking soccer game and various indoor sports activities, all of which the now Red Bull chief cordially attended.

It shows how deeply Liverpool, the club and city, still adore Klopp. Plenty of ex-Reds would create a buzz, but how many would draw a media circus like the man who guided the club to a first title in three decades?

Only a handful of reporters had enquired about pre-match media duties. Yet, with Klopp’s presence confirmed, the number of attendees sprawled. Ultimately, it had to be split into three sections for broadcasters, fan channels and written media.

“I cannot say I miss this,” joked Klopp at the end of interview one, before reminding himself, with a trademark booming laugh, that on this occasion he could call time on the questions whenever he wanted.

Klopp remains a Liverpool icon(Image: Getty Images)

Inevitably, it was the imminent exit of Mohamed Salah, Klopp’s star man for so many years, that dominated the line of questioning. “This specific kind of player is irreplaceable,” he told the written press, including Liverpool.com. He also expressed his delight at being back in Liverpool, shared his amazement at Roy Hodgson’s return to management and even discussed the greatness of his fabled Liverpool sides.

“We kind of took it for granted but this team was ridiculous,” Klopp said, clad once again in red, with a white Liver Bird on his chest.

“That’s the thing in these moments – time stops for a second. And that means you watch the movie again. My big target was always that when I am old and grey, I can look back and smile. That is definitely the case.”

Sadly, that sense of nostalgia may not help Liverpool’s incumbent boss. Given it was a charity event Klopp had agreed to attend out of kindness, it felt unfair to pose uncomfortable questions about the Reds’ current plight.

Slot remains under real pressure at Liverpool(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

But a penny for the thoughts of the man who turned doubters into believers. Does he believe Arne Slot can truly regain the full support of the Anfield crowd?

The small group stationed outside the fence offered a small insight into the challenges Klopp’s successor faces. “Come back, Jurgen,” bellowed the juvenile gaggle of boys on Friday. “We need you at Liverpool again,” screamed another, creening from atop a bench for a better view.

Klopp kept his head down, refusing to acknowledge any negative murmurings about the current Liverpool establishment. Not until the kids began chanting his name did the returning Red break rank for a second and smile. They roared in enthusiasm. Then it was over and Klopp returned his steely gaze to the interviewer.

He may no longer be in the dugout, but Klopp’s shadow still looms large over Anfield. The media frenzy that greeted his return was a reminder of what Liverpool once had - and what they still crave.

That’s Slot’s challenge now. Not just to win games, but to convince supporters he still has the managerial pedigree to succeed at Liverpool.