Jurgen Klopp’s wife Ulla broke down in tears during the final minutes of Liverpool’s victory over Wolves on the final day of the season. The Reds gave Klopp the perfect Anfield send-off with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah sealing all three points for the hosts.
The result was always going to be secondary to Klopp’s farewell, with emotions running high as he took to the Anfield dugout for the final time. His wife Ulla, who was watching on from the stands, was caught on camera wiping away tears just before the full-time whistle.
The couple have been married since 2005 after initially meeting when Ulla was working as a waitress at Klopp’s favourite bar in Mainz. At that point, Klopp had already divorced his first wife Sabine and was taking his first steps in management with Mainz, who appointed him in 2001.
Ulla has been by her husband’s side for the entirety of his time at Liverpool, which came to an end on Sunday with the conclusion of the Premier League season. Klopp was nearly moved to tears during a particularly rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, which took place before kick-off as Liverpool fans paid tribute to their departing boss.
After the final whistle, Klopp delivered an emotional speech to the packed Anfield crowd as he reflected on his nine-year tenure and thanked supporters for their unequivocal backing.
“I am completely surprised because I thought I would already be in pieces,” he said. “I am so happy, I can’t believe it. I’m so happy about you all, the atmosphere, the game. I’m happy about being part of this family and about us. It’s just incredible. Thank you so much.
“Honestly, for whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like the end. It feels like the start because I saw a team playing today full of creativity, full of energy, full of desire. People said I turned them from doubters into believers [but that] isn’t true. Believing is an active act. You did that.”
Klopp is yet to confirm his next move but he is expected to take a break from management before diving into another job at some point in the future. He will be replaced in the Anfield dugout by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, who will certainly have big shoes to fill when he arrives in the summer.
