“It’s like a class reunion. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of” : Jurgen Klopp returns to Borussia Dortmund for a testimonial match
After almost a decade, the almost unthinkable happened at the Westfalenstadion, when none other than Jurgen Klopp returned back as a coach, but just for one match. The 57-year-old recently left his beloved Reds and the Anfield in the Premier League, and has been enjoying life after taking a break as a coach.
But when you’re Jurgen Klopp, football will never be that far from you. The German icon was morally obliged to make a short return for one last time in the black and yellow colours, where he won consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, while also reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2013, where they unfortunately had to deal with a loss against their biggest rivals Bayern Munich.
The 57-year-old’s time in Dortmund was special, where many football fans fell in love with his coaching ideology and playstyle. We can also say that Jurgen Klopp made players like Robert Lewandowski, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marco Reus, Mats Hummels what they are now. Klopp was present on Saturday for a testimonial match for two BVB legends he coached during his time, Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Over 81,000 fans welcomed Jurgen Klopp in an emotional return
The Signal Iduna Park is usually always sold out, as BVB has one of the most passionate group of fans in Europe, but this time seemed extra special. The German coached here from 2008 to 2015 and left with many memories along the way. Over 81,000 fans were present to welcome Jurgen Klopp, who was part of ‘Team Blaszczykowski’ and coached a 5-4 victory against ‘Team Piszczek’.
Apart from these legends, Mats Hummels, who left the club this summer on a free transfer to Italian side Roma, was also present along with current manager Nuri Sahin, and the likes of Dede and Roman Weidenfeller also participated in the testimonial match. Fans, players and coaching staff were all on an emotional high, due to reuniting after a very long time. Positive vibes were on full flow, as Klopp addressed how much it meant for him to be back to Dortmund.
“It’s like coming home, there are so many great memories. It’s great to see you all again,” Klopp said at the Westfalenstadion. “It’s like a class reunion. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of, meeting up again, having a good time and being able to tell all the stories. A full Signal Iduna Park with great memories for all of us, but above all with the team.” said the 57-year-old.
Although Jurgen Klopp is set to take a break from coaching for almost a year, the German manager has not ruled anything out beyond that. Even if we have seen the last of the icon as a manager, he could very well come back to football in some other way or form.
