Jurgen Klopp insisted returning to Borussia Dortmund for a testimonial was a ‘dream come true’.
The German spent seven years at the helm of the Bundesliga club between 2008 and 2015, claiming two league titles and the DFB-Pokal.
After moving on to Liverpool he would enjoy even greater success, spending nine glittering years on Merseyside before stepping down as the Reds’ head coach at the end of last season.
For the first time since his Liverpool departure Klopp stepped back into the dugout on Saturday as part of a testimonial to honour two of his former players, Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Klopp took charge of Blaszczykowski’s side for the testimonial, and put some of his former players through their paces in a training session earlier this week.
Jurgen Klopp detailed his joy in returning to Borussia Dortmund to coach a testimonial match
The 57-year-old took charge of a team comprised of Dortmund legends and received a raucous response from the fans in attendance
Klopp added that he views the three teams he has managed in his career like his children
Speaking following the game Klopp expressed his gratitude at being able to return to the Signal Iduna Park.
‘It’s a lifelong dream come true,’ Klopp said. ‘I wanted to have that again.
‘Just a few months ago, I was given an emotional farewell in Liverpool. Today it was very emotional again.
‘Some people might say that today he’s like this and tomorrow he’ll be like that. I explain it like this: when you have three children, you love them all. And that’s the same with my three clubs. I love them all.’
Since stepping away from Anfield speculation has continued to surround Klopp’s future in football.
Earlier this summer he appeared to claim that it is unlikely that he would return to management at the top level but would consider a job in football after his sabbatical.
The former Liverpool boss also discussed his life since stepping away from management
Asked how he has been filling his time since leaving management Klopp replied: ‘I’m working, but not as much as I used to.
‘I’m not just doing nothing, but sometimes I am. I don’t miss anything!’