We’ve reached Jurgen Klopp’s final game as Liverpool manager, with a heartbreaking afternoon expected against Wolves on Sunday.
Liverpool vs Wolves
Premier League (38) | Anfield
May 19, 2024 | 4:00 p.m. (BST)
The Reds drew 3-3 at Aston Villa on Monday night, taking a two-goal lead late in the day to sum up their erratic form of late.
There is just one game left to play this season, with Gary O’Neil’s Wolves side traveling to Merseyside on Sunday afternoon.
Although the result is meaningless, it is a hugely important day as Klopp manages Liverpool for the 491st and final time.
Here’s everything you need to know before a big occasion.
1. Klopp’s last hurray
There have been many emotional days at Anfield throughout the club’s history, but this one has the potential to go right to the top of the list.
After nine seasons as Liverpool manager, Klopp will bid farewell at the final whistle against Wolves on Sunday.
Plans for his farewell include a pre-match mosaic, a lap of honour, a guard of honor and a farewell speech from the boss – are we really ready for this?
Few figures in Liverpool’s history have had a greater impact, and he will not only depart as an Anfield icon, but also leave his replacement with a great team.
It’s been quite a journey.
2. A solid season for the Wolves
When O’Neil took charge of Wolves last summer, replacing Julen Lopetegui, it was difficult to predict how he would fare.
After shining at Bournemouth, the Englishman has done a good job overall, even if his current 13th place is a little disappointing.
At one point a higher ranking seemed likely, but Wolves are running out of steam, losing five of their last seven Premier League games, winning just once in that period.
Overall, it’s been a solid campaign, and next season will be one where they look to hit the ground running.
3. Who is out for Liverpool?
Andy Robertson missed the draw at Villa, but the Scot returned to training this week and will be pushing to start.
Diogo Jota also returned alongside his teammates and could to be part of the team, while Thiago has even been seen in training as well, although he is unlikely to take part.
Otherwise, Joel Matip, Bobby Clark and Ben Doak are the only other players missing.
This will be the last time Matip and Thiago are mentioned in a Liverpool squad update after their exits were confirmed this summer.
4. Klopp’s final XI at Liverpool
It is possible that Klopp will name an unchanged starting line-up on Sunday, with little reason to make any changes.
Robertson does, however, have a chance to replace Joe Gomez at left-back.
Jarell Quansah is in impressive form, scoring at Villa Park, and it would be a surprise if he was not picked ahead of Ibrahima Konate.
Meanwhile, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister could continue in midfield.
In attack, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo are all expected to start – could it even be the last Liverpool game for any of them?
Liverpool XI predicted: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson; Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo
5. How might the wolves line up?
Like Klopp, O’Neil has no good reason to make many changes to the team that lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace last Saturday.
Left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri could be one to watch for the visitors, having been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Matheus Cunha is a dangerous figure in attack, having scored 12 goals and registered seven assists in the league this season.
Pedro Neto, Craig Dawson and Leon Chiwone are all injured, but Jose Sa is expected to return from illness in goal.
Possible Wolves XI: Her ; Kilman, Bueno, Toti Gomes; Semedo, Joao Gomes, Lemina, Traoré, Ait-Nouri; Cunha, Hwang
6. Klopp has always I know what that means
Speaking to the media for the final time as Reds manager, Klopp sent a typically thoughtful message to the city of Liverpool:
“I said it before, I got the key to the city and for some people that might be pretty funny. To me, that feels like a responsibility.
“I don’t think the club will need me in the future, but if the city needs me, I’m there.
“I want to be helpful in any way.”
How can we replace a man of such class and stature?
7. Liverpool’s record against Wolves
Liverpool have largely done well against Wolves over the years, including winning 3-1 at Molineux earlier this season.
That was thanks to a late strike from Robertson and a Hugo Bueno own goal after Gakpo canceled out Hwang Hee-chan’s opener.
The Reds have won their last six home league matches against Wolves, with their last defeat at Anfield against them in the competition dating back to December 2010.
It was one of the final nails in Roy Hodgson’s coffin.
8. Some memorable Klopp records
It’s only natural that we recall some of Klopp’s best stats, before his farewell…
- Klopp made his 90-man first-team debut during his time at Anfield – the first was Connor Randall in 2015 and the last Mateusz Musialowski in 2024.
- The German has used 120 different players in all competitions, across a total of 33 nations – the individual with the most appearances under his command is Roberto Firmino (355).
- Klopp is responsible for three of Liverpool’s four highest points totals in the league, which includes the record total of 99 in 2019/20.
- Liverpool’s seven youngest ever starting XI were all managed by Klopp. The youngest was for the FA Cup tie with Shrewsbury in February 2020, aged just 19 years and 102 days.
- Klopp faced 75 different opponents during his time at Anfield, only failing to defeat Real Madrid, Sion and Sevilla.
- He will leave his role as Liverpool manager without any team achieving the Premier League double.
9. Chris Kavanagh takes charge
All eyes were on who would referee Klopp’s final game – they didn’t dare hand it over to Paul Tierney or Simon Hooper!
Chris Kavanagh will take charge at Anfield, but the 38-year-old isn’t exactly an official Klopp has much time for either.
For example, the Liverpool boss said Kavanagh “didn’t have the level” required to referee the League Cup final victory over Chelsea in February.
Meanwhile, the fearsome David Coote is on VAR duty, having failed to recommend a handball penalty by Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard at Anfield earlier in the season.
10. Follow the match with TIA
Liverpool vs Wolves is shown live on Sky Sports Premier League from 3pm (BST) in the UK, with kick-off at 4pm.
Harry McMullen is in charge of TIA’s final game of a long season, keeping you up to date with all things Klopp from 3:15 p.m.
Come on, Reds, do it for the boss!
