Jürgen Klopp's Christmas message to Liverpool fans

I would like to wish all of our supporters, however they choose to mark this time of year, a very happy and peaceful Christmas.

I know our fans, be they from Liverpool the city itself, across the UK or from anywhere around the world, have a diverse set of beliefs and customs – and some who choose to follow none. This is the case within our team, for example – a wonderful and diverse coming together of cultures and backgrounds.

But regardless of faith or religion, at this time of year in the UK and many parts of the globe people come together with friends and family to enjoy spending time with each other. I absolutely love this.

This is my third Christmas as manager of Liverpool Football Club and I feel more energised and excited than I ever have done about the times we have ahead of us.

Of course, we would like more wins, more points and to be on track to win everything we compete for. I know this is important for our supporters. But I think in football, as in life, you can make a choice to be joyful and enjoy great moments and great times together. We have had these moments and we have had them in the last few years. These moments have been more special for those of us blessed to work for the club because we have shared them with our supporters.

It is important never to make specific promises that you can’t guarantee 100 per cent you can deliver on – but that doesn’t mean we should ever try to hide our ambitions in the shade or stop ourselves lifting our heads high and love being part of LFC. I say again – when I look at where we are as a team and a club and the progress we make, and the strides forward we take, I am filled with positivity and hope for 2018 and the years beyond.

There are crazy things happening in the world at the moment and football is not immune to it. For our supporters, wherever in the world, who are experiencing tough times, I hope that Christmas brings some respite from the day-to-day struggles of life.

Very close to us, Anfield and Melwood, we have two causes that demonstrate perfectly why those of us who are blessed with health and opportunity should always be thankful for it and not ignore our friends and neighbours.

At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, there’ll be brave kids and parents today who are fighting some of the most important battles you could ever imagine – and doing it with courage and spirit. They’re courageously battling with the help and support of the world-class staff, be it doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, security or admin staff. Their dedication and compassion makes Alder Hey the amazing place Liverpool is so unbelievably proud of.

Locally – at Anfield and across the city – the various foodbank projects have supported families and individuals who are in need of a helping hand, not because of any fault of their own, but the circumstances they find themselves in, completely beyond their control. For this to be the case in a country that has wealth and resources like this one, is simply beyond belief. The extent the volunteers from organisations like Fans Supporting Foodbanks go to, to help and support others in their local community, is very humbling.

There’ll be hundreds and hundreds of other volunteers across Merseyside giving up their Christmas Day to help and support others – and also others working their regular jobs for the care and safety of others. To these special people we say a very loud Merry Christmas.

On behalf of the team, we look forward to seeing a good number of you at Anfield on Boxing Day and I know many more will be watching, listening and following the match through other means. We always appreciate your support and recognise that in doing so you invest a great deal in us. We will never take this for granted.

Have a great day, however you choose to spend it.

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Jürgen