Jurgen Klopp will never take charge of Liverpool in European competition ever again.
Heading into the campaign, we had no idea that we’d be writing that sentence in April. However, that’s now the miserable reality.
In truth, last night’s 1-0 win over Atalanta was about as far removed as possible from the great nights Liverpool have had on the continent under the manager.
It has been a tenure that has included four European finals, some legendary nights away from home and at Anfield and one magical evening in Madrid in 2019.
But now it’s over. And after last night’s insipid display at the Gewiss stadium, Klopp recognised that fact. Following the final whistle, Liverpool supporters bore witness to a poignant moment from their manager.
Jurgen Klopp tips his hat to Liverpool fans
This was not the way it was supposed to end. With this season’s final scheduled to take place in Dublin, the Europa League was set to act as Klopp’s grand finale at Liverpool.
The only trophy that the German has entered into and failed to win with the Reds, it felt like a fitting way to draw a line under everything.
Had Liverpool not shot themselves in the foot with a dreadful performance in the first-leg last week, they might have kept that dream alive.
But in the end, overturning the three goal deficit always looked beyond them in Bergamo last night. After Mohamed Salah’s early penalty goal they simply ran out of steam.
This was apparent in Klopp’s behaviour, too. The 56-year-old looked resigned on the touchline for most of the night. And once the final whistle had put Liverpool out of their misery, the TNT Sports cameras captured Jurgen tipping his cap to the travelling Reds. A sad way for the big man to bow out.
Jurgen Klopp begins Liverpool farewell
Now that we know there will be no further European games this season, Klopp’s remaining time at Liverpool is reduced to six games.
After last night’s damp squib of a performance, supporters could be lulled into thinking that this is just running down the clock on Jurgen’s time as Reds boss.
But the reality couldn’t be more different. Two points off the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool still have a shot at sending the manager out in the best way possible.
In truth it’s going to be difficult, especially if the Reds can’t get out of their current funk. You get the feeling that three away games over the next eight days will truly test how much of a chance Liverpool have.
This is it now, though. There’s six games left under our best manager of a generation. Let’s go out and give it everything, Reds.