Jurgen Klopp may well be back at Anfield next month, but the former Liverpool boss will be hoping it’s not the last time he sees Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah representing the Reds.
Klopp is due to make his first visit back to Liverpool since calling time on his near nine-year spell as manager last summer. Having initially taken a break from football, the 57-year-old took up a new role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer in January.
The German will return to Merseyside 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.
He may also make an appearance at Anfield, having been invited to Liverpool’s final game of the season, which takes place just two days later against Crystal Palace. Should the Reds secure the Premier League title over their remaining seven games, as expected, Klopp may well be there to watch his former side lift the trophy in person.
It’s not yet confirmed whether he will accept that invitation, although he has made it clear he will return to watch Liverpool’s celebrations. In any case, it might be his last opportunity to see some of his former charges playing for the club.
Van Dijk, Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to become free agents in the summer, with their contracts expiring at the end of the season. Although the latter looks to be heading to Real Madrid, Van Dijk and Salah’s futures remain up in the air.
(Image: PA)
The former has revealed this week that “progress” has been made in his discussions with the club, giving some hope that he may extend his stay. Hopefully, both players will take on board Klopp’s advice to them.
Speaking during his unveiling at Red Bull back in January, Klopp made his feelings clear on the futures of all three of his former stars, having first been asked about Salah’s contract saga. “I hope he [Salah] stays,” Klopp said. “He is the biggest striker Liverpool has had in modern times. Obviously there were other good strikers.
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“Fantastic player, fantastic human being. Outstanding athlete. The best ambassador your country could have, fantastic in all departments. So I hope he stays at Liverpool.”
Klopp was later asked about Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold: “I am so happy that I am not in charge of that situation and have to answer these questions. Why should I do that now? So, Good luck. From my point of view I would love all of them to extend their contracts. But I don’t know. They haven’t told me. I could text them now and ask.”
With just over a month remaining until the end of the season, Liverpool fans will be keeping their fingers crossed that at least Van Dijk and Salah can be convinced to stay at Anfield. If Klopp’s return next month can help to convince them, then here’s hoping he accepts that invitation.
