LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND– Jurgen Klopp, in an emotional farewell event for Liverpool supporters, appeared to criticize Manchester United's management of Jadon Sancho, particularly in light of the winger's tumultuous tenure and subsequent loan to Borussia Dortmund.
After leading Liverpool to a 3-1 victory over Wolves in his final game, Klopp addressed thousands of fans at the M&S Bank Arena. Reflecting on his managerial philosophy, he seemed to take a pointed jab at Manchester United's treatment of Sancho, who was signed for £73 million in the summer of 2021 but now finds himself back at Borussia Dortmund following a fallout with United manager Erik ten Hag.
Sancho's return to Dortmund came after a high-profile dispute with Ten Hag last August, which left him sidelined from the first team. Despite support from Ten Hag during the 2022-23 season, including a period where Sancho trained individually to address physical and mental health issues, Klopp suggested that United failed to show adequate support this season.
"If the whole world loses trust and faith in the player then the manager has to be the one behind the player," Klopp told the crowd. "I cannot just buy into that 'he's useless' stuff – like other clubs did by the way. Buying a player for £80m (sic) and then sending him out on loan!"
Sancho, who is unlikely to play for United again under Ten Hag, has displayed flashes of his former brilliance since rejoining Dortmund. The German club, eager to retain Sancho permanently, has seen his confidence and form revive, with sporting director Sebastian Kehl publicly expressing their desire to keep him.
"We will try everything to keep Jadon Sancho here. But United also see how well he is playing at the moment," Kehl told the German publication *Welt*. "Maybe they also want to sell him for profit or bring him back. We will see."
Kehl added, "His qualities don't need to be described. He has regained his smile in the six months with us."
Sancho is under contract with Manchester United until June 2026, with an option for the club to extend his deal by an additional 12 months.
The farewell event for Klopp, who has left an indelible mark on Liverpool, was a moment of reflection and a critique of football management approaches, underscoring his belief in steadfast player support.
For more updates and stories, follow us and join our new WhatsApp community for exclusive content and special offers.
