A Bittersweet Farewell and New Beginnings

In the world of football, few figures have left as indelible a mark as Jürgen Klopp. The charismatic German manager, who steered Liverpool FC to unprecedented heights during his nine-year tenure from 2015 to 2024, shocked the sporting world when he announced his departure at the end of the 2023-2024 season. Citing exhaustion and a desire for normalcy, Klopp stepped away from the Anfield dugout, leaving behind a legacy of Premier League titles, Champions League glory, and an unbreakable bond with the Kop faithful. Now, over a year later, on September 18, 2025, his wife Ulla Sandrock Klopp broke her relative silence in a heartfelt Facebook post that has sent ripples through the Liverpool community: “We really miss life in Liverpool.”

Ulla, the steadfast partner who has been by Klopp’s side since their 2005 marriage, offered rare glimpses into their post-Liverpool existence—a life marked by relaxation, reflection, and unexpected joys. As fans worldwide continue to speculate about Klopp’s next move—rumors of a return to management or even a role with the German national team persist—the couple is embracing a quieter chapter on the sun-drenched island of Mallorca. Yet, amid the Mediterranean idyll, there’s an undercurrent of nostalgia for the rainy Merseyside days, the electric Anfield atmospheres, and the community that embraced them as their own.

Adding to the warmth of their story is the recent arrival of a new family member: a grandchild, born in July 2025 to Klopp’s son Marc from his first marriage. Ulla’s post not only touched on their longing for Liverpool but also celebrated this bundle of joy, describing it as a “beautiful new chapter” that has brought light to their lives. And in a nod to Klopp’s undying passion for the game, Ulla revealed his thrilled reaction to Liverpool’s blockbuster summer 2025 transfer window—a spending spree that shattered records and signaled the club’s ambitious post-Klopp era under new manager Arne Slot.

This article delves deep into Ulla’s revelations, exploring the Klopps’ life after Liverpool, the emotional tug-of-war with their past, the delight of grandparenthood, and Jürgen’s animated take on the Reds’ aggressive market moves. Through interviews, insider accounts, and a look back at their Liverpool years, we paint a portrait of a couple navigating fame’s aftermath with grace, humor, and an enduring love for the beautiful game.

The Liverpool Years: A Love Affair with the City and Its Club

To understand why the Klopps miss Liverpool so profoundly, one must revisit the transformative decade that defined their lives. Jürgen arrived at Anfield in October 2015, tasked with reviving a sleeping giant. Ulla, a former waitress and children’s book author whom he met at Munich’s Oktoberfest in 2005, relocated with him, embracing the city’s working-class ethos and vibrant culture. “Liverpool isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling,” Ulla once said in a 2019 interview with The Guardian, highlighting how the city’s resilience mirrored her husband’s “gegenpressing” philosophy.

Their Formby home, a sprawling seaside property once owned by Brendan Rodgers, became a hub for family gatherings and quiet evenings. Ulla, known for her philanthropy—particularly through the Jürgen Klopp Foundation, which supports disadvantaged youth—immersed herself in local causes, from food banks to children’s hospitals. “She was the heart behind Jürgen’s fire,” a former Liverpool staffer told The Times in 2024. Fans adored her understated presence, often spotting her at matches in the stands, cheering with unbridled passion.

Klopp’s achievements—winning the Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020 after a 30-year drought, and multiple domestic cups—cemented his god-like status. But behind the trophies were personal sacrifices: relentless schedules, media scrutiny, and the toll on family life. Ulla played a pivotal role in his decisions, reportedly convincing him not to quit mid-2023 season during a low point. “She’s his anchor,” former assistant Peter Krawietz shared in a 2025 GOAL interview. When Klopp announced his exit in January 2024, citing depleted energy reserves, Ulla’s influence was evident: “Family comes first,” he emphasized.

The farewell was emotional. Klopp’s final match, a 2-0 win over Wolves on May 19, 2024, saw Anfield erupt in chants of “I’m so glad that Jürgen is a Red.” Ulla, teary-eyed in the directors’ box, later posted a tribute on social media: “Thank you, Liverpool, for the love.” As they packed up, the couple donated generously to local charities, including €100,000 to the LFC Foundation at a 2025 gala ball where Klopp spoke candidly about his post-managerial life.

Life in Mallorca: Paradise with a Pinch of Homesickness

Since relocating to their £3.4 million villa in Santa Ponsa, Mallorca—a property purchased in 2022 as a retirement haven—the Klopps have embraced a slower pace. Jürgen, now 58, fills his days with padel tennis, cycling through the island’s hills, and occasional consulting gigs, including a controversial advisory role with Red Bull that drew ire from Dortmund fans. Ulla, 57, tends to their garden, writes children’s stories inspired by their travels, and enjoys beach walks with their dog, Emma.

Yet, Ulla’s September 2025 post reveals the underbelly of this idyllic setup: “We really miss life in Liverpool—the people, the energy, the sense of community.” She elaborated in a follow-up comment, describing how the couple tunes into every Liverpool match, Jürgen pacing the living room like he’s still on the touchline. “The rain, the chants, even the Scouse accents—we crave it all,” she wrote. Friends confirm the sentiment: “They loved the grit of Liverpool; Mallorca’s beautiful, but it’s not home,” a close associate told Liverpool Echo.

Fans, ever loyal, have flooded social media with messages of longing. “Come back, Jürgen! Anfield misses you,” reads one viral tweet with over 50,000 likes. Speculation abounds: Will Klopp return as a club ambassador? Or take the Germany job for the 2026 World Cup? In a June 2025 interview with Estonian outlet Postimees alongside former player Ragnar Klavan, Klopp hinted at openness: “Never say never, but right now, I’m enjoying the break.” Ulla, however, emphasizes balance: “We’ve earned this peace, but Liverpool will always be in our hearts.”

The transition hasn’t been seamless. Klopp admitted in a July 2024 Liverpool.com chat that adjusting to “normal life” was tough: “No more adrenaline rushes—it’s strange.” Ulla’s role as his confidante shines here; she’s organized family holidays, including trips to Ibiza and the U.S., to keep spirits high. “She’s the boss,” Klopp joked in a 2025 YouTube Q&A.

The Joy of Grandparenthood: Welcoming a New Baby

Amid the nostalgia, the Klopps have found profound joy in their expanding family. In July 2025, Marc Klopp—Jürgen’s 36-year-old son from his first marriage to Sabine—welcomed a daughter with his partner, making Jürgen and Ulla first-time grandparents. Ulla’s post bubbled with excitement: “Our family has grown! Holding our granddaughter is the purest happiness. Life after Liverpool? It’s full of these precious moments.”

Marc, a former footballer who played for Dortmund’s reserves, now works in sports management in Germany. The birth, in Hamburg, prompted a family reunion in Mallorca, where photos shared by Ulla show Jürgen cradling the newborn with a beaming smile. “He’s a natural grandpa—singing lullabies and telling football stories already,” Ulla teased. The couple, who have no children together but share a blended family dynamic, have long expressed a desire for grandkids. “It’s the next adventure,” Klopp said in a 2024 Guardian interview.

This addition has reinvigorated them. Ulla, an advocate for family values, plans to spoil the little one with trips to Liverpool: “She’ll grow up knowing Anfield’s magic.” Insiders note how grandparenthood has softened Klopp: “He’s more reflective, prioritizing family over football,” Krawietz observed. Fans have embraced the news, flooding comments with well-wishes: “Baby Klopp—future LFC manager!”

Klopp’s Reaction to Liverpool’s Summer Spending Spree

No conversation about the Klopps is complete without football, and Ulla’s post included a gem: Jürgen’s exuberant response to Liverpool’s 2025 summer transfers. Under Slot, the Reds splashed a record £446 million, smashing the British transfer fee with £125 million for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, £116 million for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, and deals for Giovanni Leoni (£26 million from Parma), Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili. Outgoings included Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz, funding the overhaul.

Ulla revealed: “Jürgen jumped off the couch when Isak signed—’That’s my boy!’ he shouted. He’s thrilled with the ambition.” Klopp, who built Liverpool on smart, value-driven signings, praised the strategy in a private chat leaked via Sky Sports: “Aggressive but smart—Wirtz is a genius, Isak a beast. Slot’s got the tools now.” Despite his Red Bull ties, Klopp’s heart remains Red: “I’ll always cheer for LFC.”

Fans interpret this as endorsement: “Klopp approves—title incoming!” one forum post reads. Ulla notes his balanced view: “He misses managing, but loves watching from afar.”

Reflections on Legacy and the Future

As the Klopps settle into this phase, their story inspires. Jürgen’s human side—prioritizing health over glory—resonates in a high-pressure industry. Ulla’s insights remind us of the unsung heroes behind icons. “We’ve punched hard, gotten up—now we enjoy,” Klopp echoed in a 2024 Guardian piece.

What’s next? Klopp eyes charity work and perhaps a book; Ulla continues writing. Fans dream of an Anfield return for a testimonial. For now, they bask in family, missing Liverpool but grateful for the memories.

In Ulla’s words: “Liverpool gave us everything; now, we give back to life.” A fitting coda to a legendary chapter.