“Despite the rivalry, you’re one of the best managers” - Ex-Everton star sends message to outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Former Everton star Richarlison has shared his goodbye message for Liverpool's departing manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Brazilian, who currently plays for Tottenham Hotspur, has come up against the Reds multiple times in the Merseyside derby. Despite the rivalry, Richarlison shared a picture of the two together on his Instagram and captioned the image:
"Despite the rivalry that was only on the pitch, you are one of the best managers I have ever seen. May god bless your journey."
The German tactician managed his final game for the Merseysiders over the weekend (May 19), in which the Reds beat Wolves 2-0. Alexis Mac Allister (34') and Jarell Quansah (40') scored first-half goals after Nelson Semedo was sent off in the 28th minute.
Following the conclusion of this match, Klopp was given a fitting farewell, where he also got the opportunity to make a heartfelt speech to the Liverpool fans one last time. The former Borussia Dortmund manager came to Anfield in October 2015 and remained in charge of the club for 489 matches across competitions.
He's won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles once each, among other honors at Anfield. In his final season with Liverpool, Klopp helped the side clinch the Carabao Cup but only managed a third-place finish in the Premier League.
The Reds were also knocked out of the Europa League by Italian club Atalanta in the quarter-final stage of the competition.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk's message to Jurgen Klopp as the latter departs Anfield
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk lavished praise on Jurgen Klopp before the German managed his final match in the Premier League for the Reds against Wolves on Sunday.
The Dutch defender was brought into Anfield by Klopp in the summer of 2018 for a reported fee of £75 million. Having established himself as one the best centre-backs in the modern game under the 56-year-old's guidance, Van Dijk said (via the club's official website):
"Everyone knows what I think about the gaffer. He is the manager who brought me to Liverpool, who gave me so much responsibility, who made me a part of this team and who taught me so much. This is just on a personal level."
Overall, Van Dijk has made 270 appearances across competitions for the Reds, bagging 23 goals and 12 assists. However, he only has a year remaining on his current deal at Anfield.