It could have been a wake for the living. Instead, much to Jürgen Klopp’s relief and encouragement for what lies ahead, Liverpool commenced the long goodbye to their beloved manager with an emphatic defeat of Norwich to maintain hopes of giving a quadruple as a leaving present.
Liverpool showed no sign of a loss of focus or appetite in their first outing since the shock news that Klopp’s transformational reign will be over at the end of the season. The Premier League leaders and Carabao Cup finalists eased into the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will host Watford or Southampton, with a comfortable rout of the Championship side. Young talent was to the fore and the depth of Liverpool’s resources was evident throughout a thoroughly professional job. It was the reaction Klopp had demanded of his players when informing them of his decision before training on Friday. “A wonderful afternoon in all respects,” said a grateful Liverpool manager.
