It's been announced that Jurgen Klopp's mother, Elisabeth, has died at age 81 - but the Liverpool manager wasn't able to travel to Germany for the funeral.
Travel issues related to the pandemic meant Klopp had to stay at home in England, while his mother was buried on Tuesday. Heartbreaking news at such a tragic time for his family.
"She meant everything to me," Klopp said in a tribute published in a German newspaper.
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"She was a real mum in the best sense of the word," added the 53-year-old, who last visited his mother on her 80th birthday in Germany.
"As a believer in Christ, I know she is in a better place now."
Klopp is the youngest of three children to Elisabeth and Norbert Klopp. The fact that the former Borussia Dortmund coach wasn't able travel to the funeral due to quarantine regulations is naturally a deep blow.
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"The fact that I can't be at the funeral is due to the terrible times," Klopp explained. But added: "As soon as the circumstances allow, we will hold a wonderful commemoration that is appropriate to it."
At least Elisabeth Klopp got to watch her son grow up to become one of the best football managers in the world, a figure beloved by supporters in Mainz, Dortmund and Liverpool.
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Many Liverpool fans have been sharing their deep sympathies for the boss who brought the Premier League and Champions League to Anfield in recent seasons.
Some supporters have also been suggesting that Klopp's appearing tired and on edge in recent months may be down to the health of his mother in Germany, rather than entirely connected to Liverpool's performance on the pitch.
It's not currently known when Klopp will be able to travel back to Germany to see his remaining family members there, but let's all hope he gets to hold his "wonderful commemoration" soon.
Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Jurgen Klopp
