Liverpool

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It was a busy one at Liverpool today with plenty of media and “the documentary guys” at the club’s training ground to attend Jurgen Klopp’s final pre-match news conference before he exits stage left after Sunday’s home game against Wolves.

To start with, Klopp came in and then quickly left. Someone joked that that was going to be it, but the German quickly returned and was an open and engaging figure in what he described as the “most intense week” of his life.

He has been saying his goodbyes to the staff and players at the club, while signing shirts and reading letters from fans which have brought him to tears.

As much as he might have tried to keep it as “business as usual”, he knows this is no ordinary week as he prepares for a final farewell to the club’s fans on Sunday, which is sure to be an emotional occasion.

Among his memories, he described some of the football his side played against Manchester City at Anfield this season as the “best” they have played during his tenure as “we never controlled City like we did that day”.

Klopp also called keeper Alisson Becker’s header against West Brom his best goal and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner in the comeback win against Barcelona as the best assist. He chuckled and drew a laugh when he then joked, ‘best cross?’.

The way he spoke so highly about his time at Liverpool, the “special” city and its people, it’s clear to hear the bond he has developed with the club and its fans, who will get to show their appreciation on Sunday.

“I’m completely at peace. It’s wonderful to know I spent a big time of my life here,” said Klopp.

There was a customary booming laugh when he responded in jest that he expected to have the impact he has had.

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Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool "is a very special city" and if it needs him in the future then he will be there.

Reflecting on his nine years at the club, in a city that has his face painted on buildings in admiration, the departing manager said: "My time here has been super influential in so many ways. I know everything about this place.

"I take fantastic memories with me and friendships forever.

"The older you get, time slips through your fingers, and you look back and think, that was great. I will not forget a minute or a day of this time. I have met the best people I have ever met and I have worked for the best club I could have imagined.

"In a wonderful, very special city. Nothing is perfect nowadays but the people in this city are as close to that as possible.

"I am completely at peace. It is wonderful to know I spent a huge amount of my life here.

"I don’t imagine that the club will need my help in the future but I have got the key of the city. I'm sure for some people that is rather funny, but if the city needs me I am there. I want to be helpful in whatever way.

"The club means the world to so many people. We have very special supporters and the last nine years has meant the world to them, so I am happy with that."

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Arne Slot arrives at Liverpool with the future of some of the club's biggest stars up in the air.

Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk are all out of contract in the summer of 2025.

While captain and Netherlands defender Van Dijk has said he wants to be part of the club's transition after the departure of Klopp, it remains to be seen if Salah will finish his career at Anfield.

With 211 club goals - including 25 in 2023-24 despite a serious hamstring injury - since joining from Roma in 2017, Salah remains a prize asset.

Liverpool will not want the Egypt forward, who turns 32 in June, to walk away for nothing, but it is understood talks between the club and the player about a new contract are yet to start.

Will Slot build a team around Alexander-Arnold?

Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy said: "I don't think getting Trent signed up will be a problem because he is a local lad who loves Liverpool."

Slot is known for giving young talent a chance.

With Jarell Quansah, 21, Conor Bradley, 20, and 19-year-old Stefan Bajcetic plus others, Slot will be excited at the exciting young flair he has at his disposal.

Read more about what the new Liverpool boss could bring

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Carteret Analytics - which provides detailed manager assessments to Premier League, EFL, Bundesliga and MLS clubs - has assessed Arne Slot and compared his style of football to that of Jurgen Klopp's, using quantitative metrics indicating strengths and weaknesses (as at 30 April 2024).

The company says: "There are some similarities between the two managers. Both Slot and Klopp are strong advocates of 4-3-3 formations which might assist with a transition of the current Liverpool squad from Klopp to Slot, and both enjoy identical levels of possession.

"Nevertheless, there is a notable difference in how Slot and Klopp implement the 4-3-3 formation. If Klopp is heavy metal football, then Slot is classical music.

"Slot has similarly high levels of possession, but the build and transition through the phases - from defence to attack - is much slower. Slot's teams do also seem to be more 'leaky', allowing the opposition to convert more shots to goals."

Slot has a high level of 'football intelligence', according to Carteret Analytics, and a good understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of his own players.

But the Dutchman "may need to adapt" in order to achieve similar levels of success as Klopp.

"He has the advantage of being well versed in a 4-3-3 formation, and as such the current Liverpool players do not have to adapt to a completely different style of play or formations," the analysts add.

"However, the pace of play could be dramatically different if Slot continues with his current approach at Feyenoord.

"And it is this that raises a key question for Liverpool supporters who have become accustomed to a particular attacking style of play under Klopp.

"Will they be happy with a much more methodical and, by comparison, pedestrian style of play?

"Or, instead of the players and supporters having to adapt to a slower style of play, could Slot himself swap his preferred classical music football for a bit more heavy metal and increase the tempo and speed of transition from defence to attack?"

Read more on what Slot brings to Liverpool here

After Feyenoord coach Arne Slot confirmed he will succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss next season, here's another chance to watch The Football News Show's look at the Dutchman.

Thiago Alcantara remains the most exciting signing of Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool era.

When he arrived from Bayern Munich, he had just won the Champions League and been crowned man of the match in the final.

He was arguably the best midfielder on the planet and his performances for Liverpool did nothing to suggest otherwise. The problem is: there were simply not nearly enough of them because of injury after injury after injury.

Thiago was forced off on his Liverpool debut against Everton, the same match in which Virgil van Dijk ruptured his cruciate ligament.

There were periods when the mercurial Spaniard found fitness and form, but they never lasted long.

Liverpool fans, though, will always have his performance against Manchester United in the 4-0 Anfield walloping in 2022. It was genuinely one of the best, most technically brilliant, midfield outings the stadium has seen.

Then you have Joel Matip - he is one of the best free transfers in Premier League history. He is physical, tall, brilliant in the air and even better on the ball.

The Reds eventually fell in love with the Cameroonian after a tricky start, and pairing him with Van Dijk certainly helped.

Like Thiago, injuries held Matip back - but he was a key figure in our Champions League and Premier League victories.

Fans will remember his ability to dribble the ball out from the back and go on one of his gangly, but brilliant, runs towards the opposition box.

This summer, Liverpool will need a proper defensive midfielder and a new centre-back to replace them.

Jordan Chamberlain can be found at Empire of the Kop, external

German journalist and author Raphael Honigstein sums up the Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool - and why all of English football should be grateful that the 'Normal One' graced our game.

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Jurgen Klopp says "it is business as usual" as Liverpool prepare to host Wolves, but admits to "very emotional moments in between".

The Reds boss, who will take charge of Liverpool for the last time at Anfield on Sunday (16:00 BST kick-off), says he has already started saying his goodbyes to the staff and players at the training ground.

"There have been great moments already. Yesterday, the players said goodbye and we had a BBQ and that was really nice.

"We don’t have to pretend it is not real because it is, but it is also business as usual.

"It is a lot and I have very emotional moments in between, but there is a lot to do as well."

Klopp became Liverpool boss in October 2015 and, after a trophy-laden spell at Anfield, he has decided now is the right time to leave the club.

"Saying goodbye is never nice," he added. "But saying goodbye without feeling sad and hurt means the time you spent together was not right. This has been so it was clear it was always going to be tough.

"I still want us to play top football [against Wolves].

"It would be cool if it was not a goodbye atmosphere too and it was a football one - because that will help.

"I was never wanting to disturb the game but in this moment I probably am. Standing here and pretending it is a normal game is a challenge.

"But I hope, all together, we can put a really good performance on the pitch because we deserve that."

Jurgen Klopp has been speaking to the media before his last game in charge of Liverpool against Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He said it has been "the most intense week" of his life as he begins to say goodbye to staff and players.

• On being pictured alone in Anfield this week: "I love Anfield to bits, but I love when it is full. I hope that is not a picture of my time at Liverpool - alone in an empty stadium!"

• He said he has "burst into tears reading" fans letters "about what the club has meant to some people".

• On his time at the club: "A decade of your life is massive, and I will not forget a day. I was at the best club I could have imagined, in a very special city. I got the key of the city. I'm sure for some people that is rather funny, but if the city needs me, I am there."

• On Joel Matip, who will leave this summer: "Have you ever seen a better free transfer? You will not find a more wonderful person. Whoever gets him is a lucky club because he is world class and super humble. That combination is really rare."

• On assistant Pep Lijnders, who is joining Red Bull Salzburg as manager: "We have a bright future. Pep is one of the most influential coaches I have ever had. I will follow each step of him, he is a great choice."

• He said he would have voted for scrapping VAR "because these people [officials] are not able to use it properly" and "if you cannot change the people" then it does not work.

• On facing Wolves: "It would be cool if it was not a goodbye atmosphere and it was a football one. I hope, all together, we can put a really good performance on the pitch because we deserve that."

Follow all of Friday's live Premier League news conferences

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It will be the start of Jurgen Klopp's last dance on his farewell tour when he holds his final pre-match news conference as Liverpool boss on Friday.

Klopp is speaking at about 10:00 BST before he brings the curtain down on his time at Anfield against Wolves on Sunday.

The hope was the match could have been a title-winning send-off for the German, but those dreams disappeared during a poor run of recent results.

Instead, the game is expected to be an emotionally charged farewell for Klopp, who has elevated himself to hero status at Liverpool.

Klopp took over the Merseysiders in October 2015 and, since then, has combined his natural charisma and charm with the type of success that has meant he has captured the hearts and minds of Reds fans.

He has guided the Anfield club to victory in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Club World Cup and Super Cup during his stint in charge and supporters will have the chance to show their gratitude for his exploits on Sunday.

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"Before he even came to Liverpool, I believed that if you really love football it would make a lot of sense if you watched Thiago Alcantara play," said Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.

Thiago will leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer, having made 98 appearances.

"Technically, he is so, so good. A talent who could play in any team in the world and it was a privilege to have him with us," added Klopp.

Thiago has shared his thoughts on social media, speaking of his "appreciation and gratitude" as he bids farewell.

"The continuous support I have received since day one has been incredible. Anfield chanting, the Kop chanting... amazing, overwhelming.

"These past four years have been a time of learning for me and my family. Some wins, some defeats, but without a doubt, a life-changing experience.

"And to the fans, I don't have the words. Just know you will have my deepest gratitude forever."

The Spanish playmaker scored six goals in his time at Merseyside and lifted the FA Cup and the Community Shield in his spell at the club.

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Joel Matip has said he always have "special memories" of his time with Liverpool, after it was confirmed he will leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Matip was part of the squad that won the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League a year later - the Reds' first domestic league title for 30 years.

"It has been eight wonderful years here in Liverpool," said Matip, who joined on a free transfer from German club Schalke in 2016.

"I was allowed to be part of an exciting history with a great coach and an astonishing team in an extraordinary club. We have achieved great titles and have the best fans in the world.

"I am full of gratitude for the wonderful time I was able to experience with these unique people supporting the club and the fans who love Liverpool FC.

"My wife and I have felt welcomed and supported from day one and, together with the kids, we had the best imaginable time here.

"We will always keep it in special memories."

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to "wonderful professional" Joel Matip after it was confirmed the centre-back will leave the club at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old has been with Liverpool since 2016, making 201 appearances and winning the Champions League and Premier League during his time at Anfield.

"In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip," said Klopp.

"I'm not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.

"A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer and a wonderful human being. We have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction.

"Joel's qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. I don't think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group.

"I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn't care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly. Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful."

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Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson believes Jurgen Klopp's impact on the club meant the Reds were the envy of many other teams for the nearly nine years he has been in charge.

Speaking on BBC Radio Merseyside before the German's final game in charge this weekend, at home to Wolves on Sunday, Lawrenson said: "Our football club became completely different with him in charge.

"A lot of people you speak to who support other teams, they just go: 'Gosh, I wish we could have him as a manager.'

"He was trendy, he was cool. He answered all the questions in the press conferences, he told jokes. He lost it a few times as well, which is all part of his personality.

"Our club has always been up there but since he took over, it was right at the very top with all the best clubs."

Listen to Total Sport Merseyside on BBC Sounds

Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.

Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.

"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.

We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.

They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.

We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.

It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.

Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.

It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford