Jamie Carragher leads tributes to ‘legendary’ Jurgen Klopp as the football world reacts to the Liverpool boss leaving the club… with Michael Owen labelling him ‘one of the greatest managers EVER’

Jamie Carragher revealed he was as shocked as anyone following the news that Jurgen Klopp would depart Liverpool after nine years at the club this summer.

With his side five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, Klopp announced on Friday that this season will be his last at Anfield.

In a post on social media, Carragher expressed his admiration for the former Borussia Dortmund boss but admitted he had expected Klopp to remain at the club into the coming years.

‘This news was always going to be a body blow to the club whenever it came.’ Carragher wrote on X.

‘I just thought it would be another few years away. What a manager, what a man, let’s go out with a bang Jurgen!’

The former Reds defender called on Klopp to end his time at Anfield with more title successes

In his column for the Telegraph paying tribute to Klopp, the former Reds defender added he had assumed the German would be signing a contract extension when he first heard about the announcement.

He further noted that Klopp’s lasting legacy on Merseyside will be his rebuilding of a club that had decidedly fallen from it’s former heights upon his arrival in 2015.

‘The fact that Klopp was able to challenge for the top honours so consistently is what places him alongside Pep Guardiola as the best manager in the world.’ He wrote.

‘When he leaves, presumably having led Liverpool back into the elite competition and hopefully celebrating more trophies, he will have re-established the club as one of Europe’s biggest off the pitch as well as on it, last year being the only anomaly in an otherwise extraordinary reign.’

The former England international was joined in hailing Klopp’s successes on social media by several stars of the football world.

Michael Owen expressed his surprise at the timing of Klopp stepping down as Liverpool boss

Carragher’s former Liverpool teammate Michael Owen shared his surprise at the timing of Klopp’s departure.

‘All great things inevitably come to an end but I thought it would be 2 or 3 years down the line. 

‘Memories to last a lifetime. One of the greatest managers ever.’

Former Reds goalkeeper Chris Kirkland called the Liverpool boss an ‘unbelievable person’.

‘First and foremost, what he has done for the football club, the trophies he’s done since he’s been here, he’s transformed the football side of things.’ Kirkland said.

‘But as a human being as well, the things people might not see, what he does and being around the club and working for the foundation, he’s an unbelievable person. 

‘He treats everybody the same, doesn’t matter whether you’re Mo Salah or somebody taking the rubbish out at Anfield or the training ground.

Erik ten Hag added the departure is a negative not only for Liverpool but the Premier League as a whole

‘He treats everybody the same, he gives you that hug, the smile, he just makes you feel good when you’re around him. Just gives you a sense of ease when you’re around him. He’s just a wonderful human being. He’s certainly going to be missed.’

Meanwhile Ray Houghton hailed Klopp for ‘bringing the pride back’ to his former side.

‘What he’s done for this club and his time being in charge is nothing short of phenomenal. To get them back winning the league, getting them to major finals, getting that pride back in the football club, the joy of playing for Liverpool. 

‘It’s been absolutely incredible and the football they’ve played has been a joy to watch. It’s going to be one hell of a pair of shoes to fill.’

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag also paid tribute to his rival, noting that Klopp’s departure is a negative for the Premier League as a whole, a sentiment echoed by Ian Ladyman on It’s All Kicking Off.

Liverpool supporter LeBron James insisted Klopp will never be forgotten by fans of the club

‘It’s no good for the Premier League.’ Ten Hag said. 

‘He has made an era there, he built the club, he brought the club back where they belong, so congratulations on that. He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.’

Basketball superstar and Liverpool fan LeBron James insisted the 56-year-old has left a lasting legacy at the club.

‘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!!’