Jurgen Klopp spotted having a smoke at Titanic Hotel ahead of final game

A dad and son couldn't believe their luck when they stumbled across Jurgen Klopp on his final day as Liverpool manager.

Alan Hayes, 40, and Alfie Hayes, eight, were on a bike ride from Bootle, when they rode past the Titanic Hotel on Sunday, May 19. Fans had gathered outside the hotel to greet the Liverpool team as they made their way to Anfield.

Alan and Alfie joined fans outside the hotel before they went for a bike ride down the road. It was around the back of the Titanic Hotel that they spotted Klopp himself sat having a smoke just hours before his final Liverpool game.

READ MORE: Live updates as Liverpool fans prepare to say goodbye to Jurgen Klopp at Anfield

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Alan captured Klopp on camera as he waved in their direction. Alan told the ECHO: "We were just on a bike ride. We usually just come this way and back down to Bootle.

“I saw the fans here this morning and thought we’d have a wait to try and catch a glimpse. With him going as well, to get one last glimpse of him before he leaves. I know they [the team] come here for most home games.

“We were ready to go, we were doing one last ride up there and saw someone taking a picture and thought ‘no way there he is.’ Boss that. He gave us a little wave."

Alan has supported Liverpool all his life thanks to his dad, who was also a "die hard" Liverpool FC fan. Speaking of Klopp, Alan said: "I'm a bit gutted he's leaving but I'm made up we did come here."

Fans could be heard screaming and cheering as the Liverpool coach made its way to Anfield this afternoon. Andre Buhr was among those who travelled over from Frankfurt in Germany to be in Liverpool for Klopp’s final game today.

Andre was hoping to see a match at Anfield for the first time next year to mark his 50th birthday but said "Jurgen told us he wanted to leave before then, and so I grabbed my chance and spent loads of money for a flight and ticket in February for hospitality.”

Speaking of Klopp, Andre added: “He’s not normal manager he’s more like a friend - and that makes this group of people so special. It gives power.” You can buy a Liverpool ECHO Klopp souvenir special here.

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