Jurgen Klopp makes 'dumb' Liverpool confession upon Anfield return

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Jurgen Klopp returned to Anfield for Liverpool Legends vs Borussia Dortmund and reflected on his incredible nine-year tenure at the club

Jurgen Klopp said he was dumb to dream as big as he did(Image: PETER POWELL, AFP via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp made a poignant return to Anfield on Saturday afternoon and confessed he never imagined achieving what he ultimately did at Liverpool.

The German was back at his old stomping ground as a Liverpool Legends side, featuring names such as Steven Gerrard and Thiago Alcantara, faced off against their Borussia Dortmund equivalents. It marked Klopp's first visit to Anfield since witnessing the Reds, under his successor Arne Slot, claim the Premier League trophy against Crystal Palace on the final day of last season.

Throughout his almost nine-year tenure at Liverpool, the 58-year-old steered the club to a Premier League triumph and a Champions League victory, among other accolades.

However, speaking before the Legends fixture, Klopp said: "How dumb you would be to dream that big. I was positive about my future. Where I came from, to achieve that big, was a miracle.

"You have to work hard, but ending up here at one of the biggest clubs in the world and the most emotional club in the world.

"Even when I looked at an empty stadium, I felt the pride that I was here for nine years. It was my home and it is. It's ridiculous!"

The Liverpool Legends were overseen by Sir Kenny Dalglish, with Klopp, alongside goalscoring legends Ian Rush and John Aldridge, supporting the Kop icon. The Reds got off to an ideal start when Thiago netted the opening goal just six minutes in, followed by a stunner from Jay Spearing that put them 2-0 up at half-time.

Sir Kenny Dalglish and his coaching staff ahead of kick-off at Anfield(Image: (PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images))

However, Dortmund's Mohamed Zidan responded just after the hour mark and Jan Koller later levelled the score, denying Liverpool the win.

Klopp, however, felt the affection of the Reds fans before, during and after the match, even indulging those present with some of his signature fist pumps at the final whistle.

"It was good," he reflected on his return. "Nothing really changed. I enjoyed every second.

Jurgen Klopp returned to Anfield on Saturday(Image: (PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images))

"My role today was not to have a lot of words – I was here for the (LFC) Foundation and to be part of a really special experience after a while, seeing all the Liverpool and Dortmund lads, who you don't meet very often.

"Today it was really nice. The people suck it in. It was so nice to see the boys playing. Thiago alone was worth the ticket!"

When questioned about whether he would return next year, Klopp responded: "Yeah!"