Jurgen Klopp could be back at Anfield to see Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy next month – although the former Reds boss has already turned down invites from Arne Slot this season.
Klopp has not been back on Merseyside since he his role as manager last summer, having been in charge of Liverpool for nearly nine years. After taking an initial break from football, the 57-year-old took up a new role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer in January.
The German is set to return to the area next month, though, as the guest speaker at the LFC Foundation gala dinner at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, May 23. Klopp was made an honorary ambassador for the club upon his exit, having supported the LFC Foundation throughout his time in charge of the club.
The event falls the day before Liverpool’s final game of the Premier League season when it will take on Crystal Palace at Anfield. According to The Athletic, Klopp has been invited to attend that game, which will see Slot’s side lift the Premier League trophy – assuming they go on to win the title as expected.
It’s not yet confirmed whether Klopp will attend the game, although he has made his intentions to watch Liverpool’s celebrations in person clear.
The former Reds boss’ last appearance at Anfield actually came after his final game in charge, having attended a Taylor Swift concert at the ground with his wife. Klopp has had other opportunities to return, although so far he has turned down his successor’s invitations.
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“I wouldn’t mind him coming,” Slot remarked back in February. “I invited him, I think, to the City and Real games, but he told me he has a job and is somewhere else in the world.
“He can be here every single time he wants to come – either to the training ground or the games. He is more than welcome.
“But at this moment he had a job to do and in the first half of the season he had a job to do with his wife, enjoying life. For me, he is always welcome.”
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It seems a good bet Klopp will accept the invitation this time though. The former Liverpool boss has made no secret of his desire to see his former side celebrate their title success, should they complete the job over the remaining seven games this season.
“Yes, the plan is (to be in Liverpool) but not on the bus,” Klopp said recently.
“That’s the idea to be honest, but we will see. I think I will be there for the last game. I didn’t want to go earlier to be honest because I didn’t want to jinx it. So I go there when it’s decided.”
