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Klopp had barely spoken throughout all the farewells on the pitch. Four of his players were leaving, four of his boys that he'd bonded with so deeply. He had seen them grow as players and as people. He had seen them all reach the top of their game. He was so proud, and yet so sad to see them go.
He was sure if he said something now, he'd lose control and break down. He simply nodded and smiled, giving each of them a firm hug as they left the field. He watched them go, his heart heavy with emotion. Eventually, after all the interviews and photoshoots were done, he was alone again. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, letting the emotion of the event wash over him.
Klopp would especially miss Milner. The two had an easy understanding of both playing and coaching, Milner being very advanced in coaching techniques for his age and stage. Milner and Lijnders also got along well, and together they made a perfect triad that could watch thirty-something players without getting too overwhelmed.
Something vibrated in his pocket. It took Klopp a moment to realize it was his phone. He pulled it out and glanced at the screen. He had many new messages from the Weird Manager's Club Group chat.
Jessethe🐐: Congrats! Your boys love you so much
Jessethe🐐: LET'S GOOOO REDS!!!
TheSpecialOne: Ugh mush. Could've given you tips on beating Martinez
CatalanMagician: I could've given you tips on staying in the Premier League
CatalanMagician: SIIIIII Premier League title!!!
TT: how can you even celebrate the title when you've won it thrice in a row? Doesn't it get boring and repetitive
TT: I can't believe we blew it AGAIN
CatalanMagician: That's what you get for working for the enemies of your former club
TT: Not bad considering it was Sorcerer Martinez in goal
Jessethe🐐: They missed you out on the pitch man
TheSpecialOne: how do y'all TYPE so fast?!
Jessethe🐐: XD
Klopp shook his head at his manager friends goofing off again. Their energetic moods failed to rub off on him, though--he couldn't get the match result off his mind. He was still in shock after the team's draw to Aston Villa and it was all he could think about. He was frustrated and powerless, feeling like he had failed the team. He just wanted to go back to Kirkby and be alone in his office.
TheNormalOne: Hey guys
TT: WE NEED YOU ON THE PITCH
TheSpecialOne: The Villa curse strikes again
TheSpecialOne: You're lucky the other guy missed that penalty
Jessethe🐐: JOSE ENOUGH!!! Liverpool should've had a penalty and Villa should've got a red card. AND Jurgen managed from the stands. It was a difficult match with all that time wasting
TheNormalOne: Thanks :) But that’s no excuse. I should’ve planned better.
Jessethe🐐: I can't believe they're all leaving. Especially Milly and Bobby
TheNormalOne: Don't forget Naby-lad and Alex
TheNormalOne: I'm going to miss them
TT: I can see, you barely made it through the farewell guard of honor
TheNormalOne: It was a bittersweet moment
CatalanMagician: Transfers are a part of life as a manager. You gotta move on
TheNormalOne: I know, I'm just sad to see them go
TheSpecialOne: Telling Jurgen to move on from his players is like telling me to stop my respect rants. It just won't be done.
Jessethe🐐: Virtual hug, noone should be forced to move on if they don't feel like it. I still haven't entirely moved on from my Leeds players
Klopp couldn't help but smile at Marsch's last text.
TheNormalOne: Thanks Jesse
Jessethe🐐: No problem
Jessethe🐐: Tell Milly how you feel, he’s got a heart somewhere under all that stone
TheNormalOne: I know
TheNormalOne: I will
*
"You okay, boss?"
Klopp jumped when he realized who the voice belonged to. He turned around and saw Milner standing there, a concerned look on his face.
Klopp nodded and managed a weak smile, trying to appear as if nothing was wrong. ""What? Me? I'm just fine. I was just practicing my dance moves!"
"While sitting down?"
"Fine...just tired, then."
"Please gaffer, give me some credit. I know what says you're tired and what says there's something else bothering you," Milner said gently.
Klopp sighed, not ready to tell Milner how he felt. After all, how did he, a 55 year old, tell a man eighteen years younger than him that he would miss him like a best friend? Milner was almost old enough to be his son. He knew it would be difficult to say goodbye, but he had to.
"Look Milly, I know you're not one for words or fancy speeches. But..." Klopp turned to face Milner, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm gonna miss you. A lot. Sometimes you know me better than I understand myself. Looking at you is like staring into a mirror, or a picture of myself as a player. You're not arrogant or mean, and you'd use yourself as a human shield for your teammates if you had to. But you're real enough to not be a standard Prince Charming or Saint Perfect, because none of us are. But you are pretty damn close, if I do say so myself!"
Milner chuckled under his breath at the last bit. "You just had to swear one last swear word, didn't you?"
"Yup," said Klopp, grinning. "That's why you're an excellent leader. You know how to be kind and caring, but also know when to be real and still get the job done." He paused before adding, "Plus, you don't take any bullcrap from anyone. Including from the bulls.”
Milner smiled, melting into the embrace. Milner wasn’t usually one for physical affection, but he would always take one of Klopp’s hugs. "I take that back, two last swear words and a dad joke.”
"You know what they say. If you can't beat 'em, swear at 'em!" Klopp joked. He reached for a notebook titled Dad Jokes , flipping through it at a frightening speed. "Hey, here's an awesome one. What did the fish say when he hit the wall?"
Milner shrugged. "Fish don't talk?"
"Dam."
Milner shook his head and looked away. He couldn't believe that Klopp just made such a lame joke. He had to remember to keep his expectations low when it came to humor. "Sometimes I think you purposely try to sound old."
"It's not intentional,” Klopp explained. “I guess I'm just getting older."
Milner shook his head and smiled. "Don't worry, boss. You're still young at heart."
For the first time since the match ended, Klopp genuinely laughed. His laughter echoed through the room, lightening the mood and offering a reprieve from the disappointment of the day.
"I think I'm going to take a break and go for a walk, clear my head a bit." Klopp grabbed his coat off the wooden coat rack, walking out the door. "See you in a bit, Milly.”
Milner waved Klopp off, leaning on the desk. "See you in a bit. That goes for the future, by the way."
Klopp couldn't help the grin that stretched across his face upon hearing that. He felt a sense of reassurance, knowing for sure that Milner would be back soon.