When Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be stepping down at the end of the season, there was equal shock and surprise among Liverpool fans everywhere.
Klopp has been in charge for eight-and-a-half years (an eternity in Premier League terms), making him the league's longest-serving manager.
In addition to winning all the trophies, he has impressed with his demeanor, class and thoughtfulness in one of the most high-pressure jobs in world football.
His impending departure will disappoint many Irish fans at Liverpool, and for many young fans Klopp is the only Liverpool manager they know.
[ Jürgen Klopp to step down as Liverpool manager at end of season ]
[ Jürgen Klopp’s departure echoes Bill Shankly – but what comes next for Liverpool? ]
His absence will be felt most keenly at the home of Dare Gorman, a 12-year-old boy with Crommelin Syndrome who uses a wheelchair and lives in Toniscofee, Co Monaghan.
He visited Anfield last September and Klopp spent considerable time with him.
A number of Liverpool footballers also met him, including Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, but it was the manager who made the biggest impression on him.
Liverpool FC released the video on Christmas Day and it went viral, racking up 70 million views to date on various platforms around the world.
His mother Shelley Gorman said Dale learned of Klopp's departure while at school on Friday. “It's a complete shock. He's completely devastated,” she said.
“It's just sad. Our whole house is completely flat and in the dumps. We're all just moping. It's like mourning a family member.
“Deare feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Jurgen Klopp during Jurgen's free time. It is something he will cherish forever.
“He's so confident now. Instead of people pointing at him and saying, 'He's got no arms,' they're pointing at him and saying, 'Oh, that's the boy who met Jurgen Klopp. ” he says. It was great for Dale. ”
Klopp did not forget Dyre, who announced his impending resignation in an explosive interview with Liverpool FC TV on Friday. He explained how he had to keep his plans secret from everyone, including his special Irish superfan.
“We just recently met our friend Daire, and we probably have to explain it to him too, and we will, but that's fine. We really did all these things. “But this moment is just that, and this is the beginning,” he said.
Mrs Gorman said it was “very touching” for Klopp to mention his son during the interview.
She hopes Klopp's last managerial game will be May's Europa League final, scheduled for Dublin, by which time Liverpool could be chasing four trophies.
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