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Jürgen Klopp began his glittering coaching career at Mainz. - © IMAGO/Jan Huebner
Jürgen Klopp began his glittering coaching career at Mainz. - © IMAGO/Jan Huebner
bundesliga

Jürgen Klopp gets hero's welcome on return to Mainz

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Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp was back where it all began briefly during the September international break as part of a farewell friendly for an iconic stand at Mainz's old stadium.

The occasion for Klopp's visit was a friendly match against MSV Duisburg that marked the last time the South Stand at the Bruchwegstadion - Mainz's stadium until 2011 - would be open. The stand gained iconic status in Klopp's playing days as a battling defender for Mainz, and also in his first coaching post in charge of the club, which saw him earn the 05ers first ever promotion to the Bundesliga in 2004/05.

The Bruchwegstadion has been used as a base for Mainz's second team and main youth team since the club's move to the new Mewa Arena in 2011. As an old terrace with standing space for over 6,000 fans, the South Stand will soon be demolished and rebuilt to house club office and function spaces. 

Klopp told the stadium before kick-off: "Everything that I have achieved is thanks to you. That is the truth."

Mainz beat Duisburg 2-0 in the friendly, with new signing Tom Krauß scoring two penalties. They face VfB Stuttgart in their next Bundesliga fixture on Matchday 4.