Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool return will be special - but his timing is unfortunate for Arne Slot

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In his weekend Blood Red column for Liverpool ECHO Premium subscribers, Paul Gorst discusses the return of Paul Gorst to Anfield for the latest Legends matchFor those making the journey to Anfield this Saturday, it might just feel like old times when Jurgen Klopp performs to the gallery one more time.At some point in the day, Klopp will inevitably roll out his famous fist-bumping routine in front of the Kop, transporting a legion of supporters to a period when his Liverpool side were revered across Europe as one of the continent's finest.The iconic German is back on Merseyside to play a part in this year's Legends match against Borussia Dortmund as two of his former clubs face off to raise money for the LFC Foundation and other worthy causes.Klopp, in fact, became honorary ambassador for the Foundation upon his Anfield exit two years ago and after helping out as a guest speaker for an event at the city's Anglican Cathedral last May, he finds himself back on his old stamping ground once more to further support the club's official charity.Such is the 58-year-old's standing and reputation around these parts that it is possible to refer to him as the most transformative figure of the 21st century at Anfield; a manager who sits alongside greats like Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Sir Kenny Dalglish while holding his own.However, despite the good that Klopp's comeback will do for ticket sales and the Foundation's efforts to disseminate the much-needed funds, the timing of the his Anfield appearance is unfortunate from a sporting perspective.Klopp is almost certainly not going to be asked any questions over his former club's form, or his successor, so it will be tough to glean how he really feels about how things have gone in Arne Slot's difficult sophomore season.In truth, the 2020 Premier League winner would almost certainly offer a staunch defence of the man who won the top-flight English title five years later, and there's no-one better suited to offer an insight into the challenges and the demands of managing a club the size of Liverpool in the modern era.So Klopp will have sympathy for Slot and the issues he has encountered this season but the mere presence of such a celebrated figure back in the saddle is not ideal for the Dutchman when so many questions linger right now.And for supporters disgruntled by a team that have lost 10 times in the Premier League this season, it would be only natural if nostalgia takes hold this weekend, if only briefly.Of course, there's never been any serious suggestion that Klopp would return to the Anfield hotseat following Slot's struggles but talk of him e-entering the technical area has never really gone away in a broader sense since he left the Reds in 2024.Only this week, in fact, Klopp was forced to deny speculation linking him with the Real Madrid job, with Red Bull's head of global soccer referring to those claims as "nonsense".It seems the general football needs Klopp back more than he wants it and those who follow the more infrequent soundbites nowadays have rarely detected a hint that a coaching comeback is desired from a man who outlined the reasons for his departure two years ago in no uncertain terms.If it is not for charity, Klopp doesn't fancy it. After so long in such a demanding industry like elite-level football management - most notably during his nine years at Liverpool - he is entirely within his rights to keep to his word.But it will be a special moment when the charismatic Klopp graces the Anfield turf once more and reminds the Kop exactly how L4 used to rock to the rhythm he set.His Reds career was bookended by him unofficially confirming Slot as his successor, singing the former Feyenoord boss's name in front of the fans to indicate who had been selected as his replacement following his final match in charge."Now imagine it next season where you are not waiting to see how it starts," Klopp also that day said in May 2024.

"No, you run into it and with a new manager you go all in. And you keep believing, which is what you do, you can push the team.

Get on your toes before we score, I say we because I am one of you now. I love you to bits."Slot may need similarly influential backing when Klopp returns this weekend.