“Whoever gets him is a lucky club because he is world class” - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp shares classy message on departing Reds star
Departing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised defender Joel Matip, who announced his decision to leave the club earlier today (May 17). The Reds center-back was a free transfer back in 2016, and will now part ways with the club after his contract expires this summer.
Matip, during his eight-year stay at the club, racked up 201 appearances and has now earned praise from boss Jurgen Klopp. Speaking in his final press conference with the Reds, Klopp said (via Liverpool Echo):
"Thiago and Joel were in my office this week. Have you ever seen a better free transfer than Joel Matip? Ridiculously funny and a wonderful man. He has to make a decision if he wants to play on. Whoever gets him is a lucky club because he is world class and super humble."
Matip has registered 79 clean sheets in his 201 games for the Reds. Praising Matip and Thiago, who is also set to leave the club after this season, Klopp said:
"I would have loved to see Thiago's career without injuries. One of the best I ever saw. In control of everything on the pitch. In a good way, looked good yesterday."
"I told them already thank you for everything they did. They were all brilliant. If they weren't, they would have left last year."
Chris Sutton talks about Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's last game against Wolverhampton Wanderers
Since taking over at Anfield in October 2015, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has led the Reds to a Premier League, a Champions League, two EFL Cups, one FA Cup, one Super Cup, and one Club World Cup among other honors.
The German boss announced his decision (in January 2024) to step away from the role at the end of the season. His last game will be at Anfield in a Premier League encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers. With the Reds secure in third place, BBC pundit Christ Sutton expects the game to be all about Klopp's farewell.
Writing for BBC's matchday predictions, Sutton noted:
"Wolves are not in great form, with only one win - and seven defeats - from their past 10 matches, and they have not been good enough as of late. This game is all about Klopp and Liverpool, though."
He continued:
"It is going to be an emotional day and I don't think there will be many dry eyes at Anfield - I'll be crying myself, even though I won't be there. Being serious though, I am gutted he is going because he is a brilliant manager and his departure is an enormous loss to the Premier League as well as to Liverpool."
Liverpool are all set to replace Klopp with current Feyenoord boss Arnie Slot, as per most reports.