Some people leave a lot more than just statistics for soccer. Jurgen Klopp has finally taken a break as a manager after 23 years by leaving Liverpool recently, but every second of his absence from the dugout will be felt. The decision appears to have moved not just Liverpool stars groomed by the German, but his former players. This time FC Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski emotionally dives deep into the kind of person Klopp is, besides his amazing soccer brain of winning trophies.

According to the Sun, the Polish captain felt that the manager’s honesty and no-nonsense approach made him legendary. “He never lied. Even the tough decisions or tough conversations he said to you exactly what he wanted to say, not what you wanted to hear,” said the forward, citing Klopp’s pure intentions as the reason for their great relationship.

The former Bayern Munich icon trained under Jurgen from 2010 to 2014, making 187 appearances. He was one of the most successful strikers under Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 103 goals and providing 42 assists. On the other hand, the former Dortmund coach, back in 2021, acknowledged Lewandowski as the best player he coached. The manager-player duo won two Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012, breaking the dominance of Bayern Munich during that period. Hence, the attachment with the manager is special for the 10-time German champion.

However, Lewandowski reiterates it wouldn’t be any different with Liverpool. Lewandowski further said, “Always he was clear with the players, with the people. And in the end for sure he was clear with himself. And that’s why everything what he did for Liverpool, for this club, for the players, for sure that’s staying with him for the next years.”

Nevertheless, it was alright for the manager to go for a break after bearing the burden of big clubs felt the Pole. But Klopp did not leave before impacting an enormous set of players.

Former Liverpool stars also join in to credit Jurgen Klopp

The achievements of Jurgen Klopp are too remarkable just to be applauded by current players. Former legend, Steven Gerrard said the German ‘is right up there amongst the very best’ Liverpool managers. Former Reds striker Kenny Dalglish mentioned he knew the club’s journey was going to be fruitful under the former Mainz manager by stating, “I said we better get our seatbelts fastened as we’re going for a big ride and it’s going to be fantastic.”

Klopp won Liverpool all the major trophies in club soccer, including their maiden Premier League title and the Champions League. But it was his relationship with the players that made his tenure at the club worthwhile.