HE CREATES SPIRIT THAT IS UNIQUE

JURGEN KLOPP will go down as one of the greatest managers of all time – not just because of what he has done on the pitch.

Klopp deserves his place not only alongside Liverpool greats Sir Kenny Dalglish, Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly, but also the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

The German redefined the role, breathed life back into Anfield and has given us a lifetime of incredible memories.

He delivered Liverpool’s first title in 30 years, won the Champions League and did it all with a sensational style of play.

But above all, Klopp deserves to be remembered as a man of the people who connected with the fans – he adores the Kop as much as they love him.

Guardiola is an innovator – his tactics have almost reinvented the game. But Klopp is the ultimate dressing-room manager. The spirit that he invoked among his players is unbreakable and has been a driving force behind his nine years at Anfield.

Following Liverpool’s victory over Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the Reds boss was asked about the banner “Imagine Being Us” in the away end. His face lit up.

After all, he was being asked about the supporters and their joy of being in the hunt for four trophies.

Klopp has put Liverpool back among European football’s heavyweights, and when the last team was beginning to break up, he rebuilt it.

This season was supposed to be about transition, yet they are top of the Premier League and chasing the title again.

What a time to go: with the 56-year-old still at the peak of his powers, Liverpool can go out on a high and he still looks so young. What a farewell tour these next five months will be.

His job is so different to the days of Fergie, Paisley and Shankly – but the game has changed beyond all recognition.

And that is why even Klopp, with all of his energy and desire, has found it draining.

But it is also why he deserves his place among the very best.