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Jürgen Klopp had 'outstanding' dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson before last Liverpool game

(Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))


Jürgen Klopp took some time out from his Liverpool farewell to attend a dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson. Klopp waved goodbye to Anfield on Sunday after an emotional week that he described as 'the most intense' of his life.

The German boss attended a special event at Anfield with members of staff, where he took part in a candid Q&A about his nine-year tenure. According to The Athletic, he was then presented with a book filled with messages from colleagues at Liverpool.

But Klopp couldn't stick around for too long as he caught up with Manchester United legend Ferguson for a farewell meal before his official exit.

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It is claimed Klopp later described the dinner as 'outstanding' as two of the Premier League's finest managers of all time exchanged pleasantries. The outgoing Liverpool boss previously revealed he first met Ferguson shortly after his arrival in 2016 and said: "I admire him. He was the first British manager I met and we had breakfast together.

"It was long ago and I'm not sure if he remembers it still, but I remember it forever because it was for me in this moment like meeting the Pope if you want! It was absolutely great and from the first second we really clicked."

Klopp would go on to win the LMA Manager of the Year award in 2020 after Liverpool's Premier League triumph. The award is now named after the United icon and Ferguson later revealed he received a late-night phone call amid the title celebrations.

After presenting the award, the Scot said to Klopp: "The performance level of the team, really outstanding. Your personality ran right through the whole club. I think it was a marvelous performance.

"I'll forgive you for waking me up at half past three in the morning to tell me you'd won the league! Thank you. But anyway, you've thoroughly deserved it, well done."

Klopp leaves Anfield with the third best points-per-game average in Premier League history. His score of 2.11 is bettered only by Ferguson and Manchester City boss Guardiola.

Liverpool.com says: Klopp never got to test himself against Ferguson but the pair have great respect for one another, despite the Liverpool-United rivalry. There have been comparisons between the pair, and replacements Arne Slot and David Moyes, after coming to the end of their tenures.

But the circumstances and situations are very different. Slot is inheriting a talented young squad, eager to improve on finishing third. United had just won the league under Fergie, with the Scot handing over a group of players coming to the end.

Erik ten Hag faces an uncertain future at Old Trafford and a change could be made in the dugout this season. United must get this appointment right as the hangover from Ferguson's exit has now lasted 10 years.