South African cricketing great Graeme Smith pays touching tribute to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

Former South Africa cricketer Graeme Smith sent a touching message to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp as the German managed his final match for the club.

On the final day of the league season, the Reds completed a 2-0 victory against Wolves at home (May 19). Alexis Mac Allister (34') and Jarell Quansah (40') bagged first-half goals as the visitors were reduced to 10 following Nelson Semedo's 28th-minute red card.

Klopp saw his team win their final match under him and finish third in the league standings, nine points short of the title holders Manchester City. After the game, the Reds paid a fitting tribute to the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss, who was with Merseyside club for nine years.

Klopp was also handed the microphone to speak his final words to the club's fans as the ceremony drew to a close. After watching the proceedings, Smith wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter):

"Jurgen Klopp send off, one of the best moments I have watched in a long time."

This season, Klopp helped Liverpool to Carabao Cup success despite failing to claim the English top-flight title and the Europa League. During his time at Anfield, the 56-year-old coach oversaw 489 matches across competitions.

He won the Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League trophy once each, among other honours. It looks as though Klopp will take a break for a sufficient period before resuming coaching duties, should he choose to undertake future projects.

---

Pep Guardiola sends message to Jurgen Klopp as the German manages final game for Liverpool

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola sent an emotional message to Jurgen Klopp, with the latter having managed his final game for Liverpool over the weekend against Wolves.

The two coaches have had mighty tussles over the years trying to claim the Premier League trophy. Guardiola, the man who often got the better of his German rival in this aspect, said (via Mirror):

"I will miss him a lot. Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He brought me to another level as a manager. We respect each other incredibly."

As Klopp departed, he seemingly confirmed the arrival of his new successor, Arne Slot. The German tactician even created a new song for the Dutchman and sang it with the Liverpool fans ahead of the Feyenoord boss' arrival at Anfield.