LIVERPOOL have announced that duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara will leave the club following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds were rocked in January when their German manager announced he would leave Anfield after years in charge.
Now, the 32-year-old Cameroonian defender will leave the door open for the 33-year-old Spanish midfielder when their contracts expire in June.
Matip was one of Klopp’s first signings when he arrived as a free agent after a spell at Schalke 04.
And he played a key role under the German’s leadership, winning several trophies, including the Premier League title, for the club in his 8 years.
Led by the boss, Matip helped Liverpool end their three-decade wait to become champions by winning the Premier League in 2020.
This happened 12 months after the Champions League.
Thiago joined in the summer after Bayern Munich’s £20 million triumph, and he and Matip celebrated the joy of the double cup in the 2020/21 crusade when the Reds won the League and FA Cup – the Spaniard missed the first of those finals. . by injury.
Matip suffered a torn ACL against Fulham in December that has sidelined him ever since.
Thiago’s own injuries limited him to just 28 appearances last season and he only played once this season due to fitness issues, meaning neither was able to win the League Cup medal.
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Speaking about Matip, who will have 201 appearances, 11 goals and seven championship medals to his name, Klopp said: “In all the years I’ve been involved in football, I’m sure I’ve met too many players who enjoy themselves more than Joel Matip.
“I’m not even sure it’s imaginable to say anything bad about him.
“A glorious professional, a glorious footballer and a glorious human being. We were lucky enough to have him with us for so long and now all we can do is wish him luck as he takes a new direction.
“Joel’s qualities as a player are visible to everyone and as a club we have benefited from that from the first moment he joined. I don’t think he’s been in the news over the years, however, he’s just been a very prominent figure in our group.
“I’ve said before that if there was one user who didn’t mind being underestimated, it would be Joel, but the fact is, we couldn’t have given him a higher rating.
“Not only did he set criteria for himself, but he also set them for others and that’s one of the main reasons why his stay here was so successful. “
Matip said: “It’s been 8 glorious years here at Liverpool.
“I was allowed to be part of an exciting story with a wonderful coach and an amazing team at a normal club. We’ve won wonderful titles and we have the most productive fans in the world.
“I’m completely grateful for the glorious moments I’ve been able to enjoy with those exclusive people at the club and the enthusiasts who love Liverpool FC.
“My wife and I felt welcomed and supported from day one and combined with the kids, we spent the most productive time here.
“We’ll keep it in special memories. “
On Thiago, who added FA Cup and FA Community Shield medals to his collection while on Merseyside, Klopp said: “Before I came to Liverpool, I thought if you love football, it would make a lot of sense if you saw Thiago Alcantara. play. .
“Technically, it’s very, very good. A skill that could play in any team globally and it’s a privilege to have him with us.
“I already knew a lot about him as a footballer before he came here: what he did at Barcelona and Bayern Munich, how could he not do it?And maybe I wouldn’t have been happier when he took on a new role. Challenge with us.
“From that moment on, I got to see it up close and all I can say is ‘Wow. ‘Most importantly, he was part of a new story and helped us expand our team with his special qualities.
“I know the injuries have been a frustration for him and also for us, but the moment he was able to play when we had him was unbelievable. That’s what I’ll remember.
“Now he will take a new direction with his circle of relatives and we can only wish them the best of luck. Wherever he plays next, I’ll be delighted to see him. A game artist who will paint only the most beautiful pictures.
The Spanish midfielder’s farewell:
“Appreciation and gratitude. These are two words that come to mind the day I have to say goodbye to all of you, Reds.
“Grateful too. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this city, this club, and this community,” he wrote.
“The non-stop win I’ve won since day one has been incredible. The clapping of Anfield, the chants of The Kop. . . Unbelievable, overwhelming.
“A very big fan base for a club.
“The last 4 years have been an era for me and my family.
“Victories, defeats, but a doubt, a life-changing experience.
“Teammates, coaches and club workers: you have all been part of it. And for the fans, I have no words.
“Just know that you will have my greatest inner gratitude forever.
“Thank you, it’s an honor. Good luck always, Liverpool FC.
As the two players and Klopp bid an emotional farewell to Kop who will face Wolves on Sunday in their final game, two members of their staff are facing an exciting new challenge.
His assistant Pepijn Lijnders will take over at Red Bull Salzburg following his departure from Liverpool.
And at the Austrian Bundesliga giants he will be joined by his compatriot, Anfield manager Vitor Matos, who will be his number 2.
Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, 45, has reportedly already agreed with the new Liverpool manager for next season.
And enthusiasts are just waiting for the paperwork to be finalised and an official announcement to be made stating that the Dutchman is fit to move into Klopp’s home on Merseyside.
By Dave Kidd
NOW we know Jurgen Klopp’s last major trophy at Liverpool: a Champions League, a Premier League, an FA Cup, two League Cups and (if necessary) a Club World Cup.
But where does his reign lie, the greatest of the Premier League era?
In terms of black and white, Klopp is far behind Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola, the only two men to have won multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League at the same club.
These two, along with Brian Clough, Bob Paisley and Sir Matt Busby, are the undisputed greats of all time when it comes to the management of English football.
But Klopp moves on to the next one, along with Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho (the Chelsea version), Bill Shankly and Don Revie.
They are all men who have in their symbol the strength of character of their club and who have been successful, but who have not won as much as they should.
If Klopp had managed to keep his intentions under wraps and won some other title, even a hat-trick or a quadruple, he would have risen to the top step with Ferguson, Guardiola, Clough, Paisley and Busby.
But deciding when and how to leave is one of the most difficult decisions for any coach or athlete.
Klopp is wrong.
Read Dave Kidd’s full take on Klopp’s disappearance here.
Or click to see all of Dave Kidd’s articles.
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