Liverpool players' incredible gesture to Jürgen Klopp says it all about squad's mentality

Liverpool has now entered the post-Jürgen Klopp era. The German manager leaves with more than just fond memories and well-wishes from fans and his team.

Klopp waved goodbye to Anfield for the last time on Sunday, signing off as Liverpool's manager with a 2-0 victory over Wolves in the final Premier League match of the season. The post-match celebrations were just a small part of a grand goodbye for the former Borussia Dortmund boss, who spent a week bidding adieu to the city he has called home since October 2015.

As reported by The Athletic, a poignant moment between Klopp and his team occurred at a barbecue held at the club's base after training. It was during this farewell party that Reds captain Virgil van Dijk paid tribute to the outgoing manager and his backroom staff, including assistants Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz.

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Each departing staff member was then gifted a Rolex watch from the squad as a parting present. This act underscores the unity and camaraderie of a team that has achieved so much together since Klopp's arrival nine years ago, and it shows the strong team spirit that persists as they prepare for Arne Slot's tenure.

The affection between Klopp and his squad was evident following the Wolves match as a celebration took place at Liverpool's Titanic hotel. It was here that guests included UFC fighter Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett, and Liverpool legends John Barnes, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush.

Despite speculation of a rift between Darwin Núñez and Klopp, it emerged that the Uruguayan striker was one of the last to leave the party. Reports suggest he even joined fellow South American players Luis Díaz and Alexis Mac Allister for a lively dance-off.

In the days leading up to the Anfield farewell, Klopp recorded a goodbye video and participated in an hour-long Q&A session with Liverpool staff. He revealed that he won't be leaving Liverpool immediately, as his wife, Ulla, has secured them tickets to see Taylor Swift perform at Anfield next month. He proceeded to give a performance of Swift's hit song 'Shake It Off'.

In a revelation that might surprise many, Klopp shared that he had to skip the drinks at the event because he had dinner plans with none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United manager. Their camaraderie is no secret, with Klopp once likening meeting Ferguson to 'meeting the Pope'.

The farewell for Klopp was heartfelt, featuring a special gathering with Liverpool supporters where each departing coach received a personalized LFC shirt signed by fans. But it was Klopp's parting words at Anfield that truly tugged at heartstrings when he professed: "From today, I'm one of you".

In the privacy of the dressing room, he expressed his affection for his players simply: "I love you, that's all I can say." While Klopp's legacy at Liverpool will undoubtedly continue, the club has already taken steps forward, confirming Slot as the new manager.

Slot will take over from June 1, following an agreement on a compensation package with Feyenoord. The 45-year-old Dutchman has signed a three-year contract, securing his position at Anfield until June 2027.