‘She meant everything to me’: Jurgen Klopp pays emotional tribute to mother after she dies aged 81

The German is unable to attend the funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions

Wednesday 10 February 2021 11:01 EST

(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to his mother Elisabeth after she passed away aged 81.

The Liverpool manager said "she meant everything to me" and will be unable to attend the funeral due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel in Germany for passengers arriving from high-risk countries that have virus mutations.

But Klopp maintains he is keen to hold a "wonderful" memorial to celebrate her life when the circumstances allow.

"She meant everything to me. She was a proper mum in the best sense of the word," Klopp told German newspaper Schwarzwaelder Bote.

"As a believer in Christ, I know that she is now in a better place. Owing to these terrible times, I can’t be at the funeral, [but] as soon as circumstances allow, we’ll hold a wonderful, fitting memorial for her.”

The Reds posted a tweet on the club's account to show their support to their manager, stating: "You’ll Never Walk Alone, Jürgen".

Elisbeth married Klopp's father Norbert in 1960, with the couple having three children, Stefanie, Isolde and Jurgen as the youngest.

Klopp's father passed away in 2000, aged 66, following an illness, with Klopp previously revealing his regret at him not seeing his success at the top of the game in coaching.

"The actual thing is my father was a natural coach as well. So if you would have asked him he would have said you have to become a coach," Klopp said.