Updated at 17.21
IT ALWAYS PROMISED to be something special but Borussia Dortmund supporters surpassed themselves today in paying tribute to manager Jurgen Klopp, who announced his decision to leave the club in mid-April.
80,667 packed into Signal Iduna Park for this afternoon’s clash against Werder Bremen and the atmosphere was electric as home fans gave Klopp the perfect send-off.
The coach has been at the club for seven years and led them to back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 and their first ever domestic double. In 2013, Dortmund made it to the Champions League final but lost out to bitter rivals Bayern Munich.
Ahead of Saturday’s game, Klopp said he hoped it would be ‘one last, proper BVB home match’ and he certainly saw his wish granted.
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It was a sea of yellow and gold as Dortmund fans, known for their intense and loyal support, created a cauldron of colour and noise. It was emotional and spectacular.
The fans also offered their thanks to club stalwart Sebastian Kehl who will retire at the end of the season after 13 years with with Dortmund.
Though it all feels like a fond farewell, Dortmund still have a Cup final to look forward to next weekend and will take on Wolfsburg in the decider though that game is set for Berlin on 30th May.
And, after a remarkably below-par season that saw Dortmund sit rock-bottom of the league at Christmas, their turnaround was completed today as the 3-2 victory over Bremen ensured Europa League football for next season.
Shinji Kagawa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were on the mark and the result meant Dortmund finished seventh, enough for a European campaign next term.
