Some doubted Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp during the Reds' struggles last season, but he has one keen admirer in former Anfield ace Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan does not boast the best relationship with the Liverpool fanbase nowadays, but has previously waxed lyrical about the club and insisted that once a connection is forged with those on the red half of Merseyside, it remains intact for life.
Speaking in 2019, while then a Barcelona player, Suarez was pressed for comment on a Liverpool side that were at the time vying with Manchester City for the Premier League title, which earned them some praise from their ex-talisman. He told 11Freunde: “Anyone who has ever played at Liverpool remains connected to the club for a lifetime.
"The team plays terrific football and I am very interested to see how they do this year. I think we can still expect a lot."
When asked for his thoughts on Klopp, Suarez added: "Currently we work for two different clubs, so that’s not an issue for me at the moment. But yes, every player would like to train under Jurgen Klopp."
Since those comments, Klopp has done what Suarez couldn't and guide the Premier League title to Anfield. The latter came close during the 2013/14 season, but a late collapse with three games to go saw City pip the Reds to the post. It is something that haunted the striker long after his Liverpool exit.
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"In the last year when I played there at Anfield I was so sad for the supporters [that we missed out on the title]," he told Liverpool's official website in 2021, before addressing the Reds fans were left furious when he passionately celebrated a goal he scored for Barcelona against them the season prior.
"I know some Liverpool supporters were angry with me because I celebrated a goal against Liverpool here in Camp Nou [last season] and for that I am so sad.
"I accept that and I say that hopefully they understand my situation: we were playing at home and in the Champions League semi-final.
"I lived one of the best moments of my life there and I think the supporters didn't forget how my attitude was in the Liverpool shirt. Now hopefully they are so happy with the Premier League trophy this year."
While Suarez lit up the league during his time as a Liverpool player, the Reds have hardly missed him, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firimino joining shortly after and inspiring one of the most illustrious chapters in the club's recent history.
