Jurgen Klopp brings back iconic fist pump celebration on Anfield return with Liverpool legend back in the dugout for legends’ draw against Dortmund – while one star fights back tears during Diogo Jota tribute
Jurgen Klopp was back in his happy place on Saturday – in front of the Kop punching three glorious fist pumps in their direction for the first time in nearly two years.
The German, assisting fellow Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish in the dugout, was unable to inspire Liverpool’s legends to victory over Dortmund’s veterans – with the visitors securing a 2-2 draw in the match to raise funds for the LFC Foundation.
But that did little to prevent Klopp from embracing the Liverpool masses at full time, with the 58-year-old making a beeline for the Kop to throw three fists in their direction – the iconic celebration he performed after many victories during his spell in charge.
‘It was good,’ he said. ‘Nothing really changed. I enjoyed every second. My role today was not to have a lot of words – I was here for the Foundation and be part of a really special experience after a while, seeing all the Liverpool and Dortmund lads, you don’t meet very often.
‘Today it was really nice. The people soak it in. It was so nice to see the boys playing. Thiago alone was worth the ticket!’
Spanish midfielder Thiago, who played a key role in Klopp’s title-winning team in 2019-20, dazzled in the centre of the park alongside club legend Steven Gerrard, leaving fans wondering how the pair would have blown teams away had they played together in their prime.
Jurgen Klopp performed his iconic celebration in front of the Anfield masses on Saturday
There were emotional scenes as the Liverpool legends’ match was paused to remember Diogo Jota on Saturday
He walked away with the player of the match prize on an emotional afternoon in which he broke down in tears on 20 minutes when the game was paused to remember former team-mate Diogo Jota, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident last summer.
Thiago was seen pulling his shirt over his face and was visibly emotional during the moment of reflection.
Speaking about his goal after the game, the Spaniard said: ‘It was an unbelievable moment for sure and I’ll keep it with me.
‘When I scored, Stevie came and I told him it was the first sprinting I did since I arrived at Liverpool!
‘Having 62,000 people was just unbelievable. We feel at home every time we are here.’
Gerrard added: ‘As soon as I knew Thiago was on the list, I made myself available. The respect is mutual.
‘My brain still works the same speed but my body is two or three seconds behind so a few frustrating moments, but it was still a fantastic experience.
‘The legs just don’t work the same they did 10 or 15 years ago.
‘The last time I saw these guys was a year ago. It’s too long but we’re all doing our own stuff.
‘I believe Liverpool is the best city in the world. The proof is in the pudding. When people are in need…this is your evidence.’
