Jadon Sancho has bestowed the title of "legend" on Jurgen Klopp after the latter's sentimental return to Borussia Dortmund.
With the backdrop of an emotional weekend where Dortmund legends Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski celebrated their testimonials, Klopp took charge of the Dortmund legends team, reconnecting with the club's past glories.
In a scene filled with nostalgia, the ex-Liverpool boss was seen giving his quintessential fist pump to the adoring fans in Signal Iduna Park's renowned single-tier stand. Captured by Dortmund on Instagram with the caption, "Signature move,". The post, also featuring a tag of Klopp, prompted Sancho to label the former Dortmund boss a "legend" in the comments section.
These warm exchanges come against the canvas of Klopp’s previously aired scepticism about Manchester United's handling of Sancho resurfacing following the winger's high-profile £72m move to Old Trafford.
Klopp’s re-emerging comments from May highlighted his confusion over Sancho's loan move back to Dortmund in the January transfer window last season before his latest switch to Chelsea on deadline day.
The former Liverpool manager openly questioned United's lack of "faith" in Sancho's abilities.
The German spoken out about the unwavering support managers must show their players, stating: "If the whole world loses trust and faith in the player, the manager has to be the one behind the player. I cannot just buy into that 'he's useless,' like other clubs did by the way - buying a player for £80 million and then sending him out on loan!”
Despite being currently unattached after his departure from Liverpool last season, Klopp hinted at a possible retirement from management, leaving fans speculating about his future in football.
However, Klopp was visibly moved as he reminisced about his return to Borussia Dortmund, where he enjoyed immense success, including two Bundesliga titles and two German Cups over seven years. "It's a lifelong dream come true," Klopp admitted.
"I wanted to have that again. Just a few months ago, I was given an emotional farewell in Liverpool. Today it was very emotional again."
Klopp also addressed his deep connection with the clubs he has managed, saying: "Some people might say that today he's like this and tomorrow he'll be like that. I explain it like this: when you have three children, you love them all. And that's the same with my three clubs. I love them all."