Jurgen Klopp Makes Dramatic Comeback to the Touchline
Jürgen Klopp's comeback to the Liverpool sideline has been announced—however, the German tactician won't be replacing current boss Arne Slot, but will instead collaborate with Sir Kenny Dalglish's coaching staff for the forthcoming legends match against Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp departed Anfield following the 2023–24 campaign after expressing exhaustion. He has subsequently taken on a role with the Red Bull organization as Head of Global Soccer, supervising the development of all their affiliated teams worldwide—including Leipzig, Salzburg and New York.
He's been frequently connected to a managerial comeback despite repeatedly declaring he has no interest in accepting another position of that nature. Real Madrid have been heavily rumored following Xabi Alonso's departure, while certain Liverpool fans have called for his return to Merseyside as Slot faces the infamous 'second-season syndrome.'
Klopp Returning to Liverpool in Unique Way
Klopp Returning to Liverpool in Unique Way
Rather, Klopp is returning to the club he dedicated himself to for eight-and-a-half years to collaborate with Dalglish. The pair, alongside Bill Shankly, are commonly considered the finest managers to have ever led Anfield, securing numerous league championships and European honors.
Klopp broke Liverpool's 30-year drought for a top-flight title, claiming the Premier League in 2019–20, and also guided the club to their sixth, and most recent, Champions League triumph.
Ian Rush and John Aldridge, two iconic former Liverpool stars, will support Dalglish and Klopp for a match that will see 100% of the revenue donated directly to the LFC Foundation and Forever Reds initiatives.
The event will hold extra significance for Klopp as he previously managed Dortmund before arriving at Liverpool. He successfully challenged Bayern Munich across back-to-back Bundesliga campaigns, breaking their total control of German football—a supremacy that returned immediately after his exit.
Liverpool Legends—Which Former Players Are Involved?
Liverpool Legends—Which Former Players Are Involved?
The complete roster of players participating in the match on Mar. 28, (3 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. ET kickoff) remains to be announced. Names are being revealed gradually.
The goalkeeper lineup of Jerzy Dudek, Pepe Reina and Sander Westerveld, who represented the club during the late 1990s and early to mid 2000s, will participate, along with former skipper Sami Hyypiä, Fábio Aurélio, Grégory Vignal and Martin Kelly.
Steven Gerrard, the Reds' second-greatest player in their history after Dalglish, will also return to action, joined by former midfielder Yossi Benayoun, whose Premier League journey also featured significant periods at West Ham United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Confirmed Liverpool legends taking part at Anfield
Confirmed Liverpool legends taking part at Anfield
Liverpool vs. Dortmund—Ticket Information
Liverpool vs. Dortmund—Ticket Information
Tickets for the fixture at Anfield are available for purchase directly from the club and are currently on sale. Beyond the prices listed below, premium packages are offered starting at £59.50 and a full hospitality experience can be bought from £189.