‘One helluva manager’ - LeBron James sends Klopp heartfelt message

Robin Bairner

26 Jan 2024 13:46 CST
3 min read

Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he is quitting Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season has sparked an outpouring of thanks from the Anfield support, and LeBron James has joined the legions of fans in thanking the German for his contribution to the side.

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Klopp’s departure was announced via Liverpool’s official channels early on Friday and saw fans pay tribute to the coach on social media, often with heartfelt messages of thanks.

Future NBA hall of famer LeBron, who is a part-owner of Liverpool via RedBird Capital, which owns a 2% stake in the club, took to X to thank the German for his nine years of service at Anfield.

“THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING AND MORE!! You are one helluva manager and you’ll never be forgotten and more importantly YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE!! The Reds will miss you!!”

What LeBron has said about Klopp in the past

This is not the first time that James has offered his support to Klopp via social media.

In 2022, he backed the Liverpool manager to be named Premier League Manager of the Year, he tweeted: “He gets my vote!!!!”

He had previously given the Reds a shoutout for electing to tour the west coast of the USA during the 2016 preseason.

At that time, he said: “Shoutout to Coach Klopp and the Reds. Excited to hear you boys are heading out to the West Coast! If you need a walk-on, I got your back.”

He also posted an image of a Liverpool kit with the No.6 James emblazoned on the back – something that Reds No.6 at that time Dejan Lovren took in his stride.

“If LeBron wants the number, I don’t mind, he is the king,” the Croatia international defender, who now plays in Ligue 1 with Lyon, posted.

With Klopp gone, it is unclear who will takeover at Liverpool, though former midfielder Xabi Alonso is the current favourite.