Jürgen Klopp brought not only victories but a fan’s passion for the game | Kenan Malik

The Liverpool manager, who bows out today after nine years, knew football was the most important of least important things'

It's not so important what people think when you come in," Jurgen Klopp observed on beingunveiled as Liverpool manager in October 2015. It's much more important what people think when you leave."

Today is the day Klopp leaves. It is the final day of the Premier League season in England, and Manchester City will probably be (again) crowned champions. It is also the final day of Klopp's tenure as Liverpool manager, a moment that will wring the emotions, and not just at Anfield. Football is deeply tribal, but Klopp stepping down is an event that resonates well beyond Liverpool supporters, even beyond the world of football.