Klopp holds back tears
Jurgen Klopp fought back the tears as Anfield began its long goodbye to their manager.
Then he pleaded with the Kop to forget about him and concentrate their emotions on the players.
Klopp said: “The atmosphere and people showing everything to me was wonderful, I loved it, great.
“I am not saying don’t do it anymore, people can do what they want but we need the atmosphere on the pitch.
“For that we need the crowd not to think about the manager.
“We have to forget about it for a while and go for each opponent like crazy and the next chance to do that comes on Wednesday against Chelsea.”
Dressing room reaction to Klopp
Andy Robertson has revealed the dressing-room reaction to Jurgen Klopp’s exit.
The Scottish full-back, 29, said: “Like the rest of the world, it was a bit of a shock.
“When he told us all, nobody really knew where to look or what to do.
“You have to respect his decision, he’s thought long and hard about it with his family and everything like that and, for all he has done with this club, we’ll all be forever grateful.
“I think he doesn’t want the fans singing his song and that, but I think he’s going to lose that battle as the fans will want to say a proper goodbye to him.
“But for us players, the one thing he asked of us was business as usual, we have to keep fighting on all fronts, keep winning games and hopefully give him a send-off that he deserves.”
Barca’s Xavi list
Barceloa have reportedly drawn up a list of candidates to take over from Xavi.
The Nou Camp legend announced he will be stepping down as Barca boss at the end of the season.
According to Spanish reporter Gerard Romero, Mikel Arteta is one name on the list of potential candidates for the Catalan club this summer.
Wile Jurgen Klopp – set to leave Liverpool in the summer too – and Julian Nagelsmann are also linked with the role.
It is claimed Barca sporting director Deco started speaking to the agents of potential candidates over the last few weeks.
EXCL: Forest want new keeper
SunSport’s Alan Nixon can reveal that Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis wants a new keeper and the wealthy Greek is scouting the globe for a number one.
Marinakis is willing to fund a transfer move for a home goalie, just six months after splashing out on Matt Turner from Arsenal and Odysseas Vlachodimos from Olympiacos.
One man Forest are keen on is Jose Sa at Wolves, however, the Portuguese stopper would cost a decent fee.
And with the Tricky Trees facing FFP charged they may have to look elsewhere.
One option could be a return for Keylor Navas on loan.
Bayern frightened
Bayern Munich are reportedly concerned that Martin Zubimendi may choose Arsenal over them.
The Germans have been chasing the Real Sociedad midfielder for a while, but are now said to be “afraid” that Arsenal could gazump them.
Sport Bild journalist Christian Falk told Caught Offside: “Martin Zubimendi is the No.1 target for Bayern in front of Joao Palhinha,
“Bayern also heard that Mikel Arteta is already talking to the player. They’re both Spanish as well, which is a big advantage for Arsenal!
“Bayern were very sure that they would lead the race for Zubimendi but now that Arsenal are there, they’re afraid of the Gunners and afraid that Mikel Arteta could take this player away, which had been a planned move for the summer.”
Zubimendi is understood to have a £51million release clause in his contract.
Villa submit Rogers bid
Aston Villa have submitted a third bid for Middlesbrough star Morgan Rogers, according to The Athletic.
Villa saw two bid turned down by Boro earlier in the window, but have now launched a new and improved offer.
It is said to be worth around £15million including add-ons.
The 21-year-old is understood to be excited at the prospect of joining a Premier League side while Villa are hopeful of getting a deal done.