Klopp returns to Liverpool as honorary ambassador for LFC Foundation gala

Jürgen Klopp (58), the former manager, is returning. He is scheduled to visit Liverpool for the first time since stepping down from the club last year.

Liverpool announced on the 10th (Korea time) through the club's official website that "Klopp will attend the gala as the keynote speaker for the annual event of the LFC Foundation. The former Liverpool manager will join as a guest speaker in his capacity as the LFC Foundation's honorary ambassador, officially appearing for the first time since leaving the club."

Liverpool further explained, "Klopp served as the LFC Foundation ambassador for an extended period during his time at Liverpool. Even after leaving the team last summer, he reaffirmed his dedication by taking on the role of the first honorary ambassador for the LFC Foundation. Klopp is set to join the club's official charity at the gala to be held at Liverpool Cathedral on the 23rd next month."

Klopp, who will meet Liverpool fans again, noted, "Everyone knows how much I love working with the LFC Foundation. I want to honor that work and help raise significant funds to continue the amazing things they are doing."

Matt Parish, CEO of the LFC Foundation, welcomed, "We are looking forward to this year's gala. We are pleased to have Klopp join us to help with the event. He was a great supporter during his time as Liverpool manager, and we appreciate his continued assistance."

Klopp is one of the legendary figures in Liverpool's history. He joined Liverpool in 2015 after leaving Dortmund and quickly turned a mid-table team into a title contender. Under Klopp, Liverpool's record stands at 489 matches with 304 wins, 100 draws, and 85 losses. It was another golden era.

Most notably, Klopp led Liverpool to win 7 trophies, including 1 Premier League title (2019-2020), an FA Cup (2021-2022), an EFL Cup (2021-2022), and a UEFA Champions League (2018-2019). It is no exaggeration to say that they were the only team that consistently challenged Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

However, Klopp parted ways with Liverpool sooner than planned. He announced last January that he would leave the team at the end of the 2023-2024 season due to burnout. Although there was still time left on his contract, Liverpool also chose to respect Klopp's wishes and let him go.

Klopp received offers from several teams but declined all of them and stayed away from coaching. After taking a break, he became the global football head for the Red Bull Group in October last year, managing the club network under the group. Klopp has transitioned from coach to administrator.

Nevertheless, Klopp has not forgotten Liverpool. While mainly residing in his home country of Germany, he naturally became distant from Liverpool, but this event allows him to reconnect.

Funds raised through the gala where Klopp will speak will be used for LFC Foundation activities. The LFC Foundation is a charity organization that has helped over 127,000 people last season and strives to alleviate social inequalities. Some of the funds collected this time will also be donated to the club's official former players association, 'Forever Reds.'

Meanwhile, Klopp is expected to visit Anfield for the last match of the season. He recently stated that he would attend if there was a victory parade at a charity event held in South Africa.

Currently, Liverpool is on the brink of winning the Premier League. With 7 league matches remaining, they lead second-placed Arsenal by 11 points with 73 points to Arsenal's 62. Arne Slot, who is on the verge of reaching the top in his debut season at Liverpool, noted that he has been consistently texting Klopp throughout the season and will invite Klopp to visit Anfield or the training ground.

Klopp remarked, "I plan to go to Liverpool, but I won't be on the parade bus. That's the goal, but we’ll have to wait and see. I believe I will go to the last match. Honestly, I don't want to return to Anfield before that. If I were to visit for a match and we lose, it would feel like bringing bad luck." He expressed his desire to enjoy Liverpool's victory with the fans on the streets.

[OSEN]