Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool manager unable to travel for mother’s funeral

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was unable to return to Germany for his mother’s funeral on Tuesday because of Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Germany has banned most travel from countries hit hard by new variants of the virus, including the UK.

Liverpool tweeted a message of support for Klopp on Wednesday, which read: “You’ll never walk alone, Jurgen.”

Speaking to German newspaper Schwarzwalder Bote, Klopp said his mother “meant everything” to him.

“She was a real mum in the best sense of the word,” he added. “The fact that I can’t be at the funeral is due to the terrible times, but as soon as the circumstances allow, we will hold a wonderful commemoration that is appropriate to it.”

Responding to Liverpool’s message, the Premier League said: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Premier League are with Jurgen, his family and his friends at such a difficult time.”

Several clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, also sent messages of support.

Germany’s travel restrictions have seen Liverpool’s Champions League last-16 first leg away to RB Leipzig next Tuesday moved to Budapest, Hungary.