I saw Jurgen Klopp's first match after Liverpool exit and one thing was perfectly clear

Jurgen Klopp returned to the touchline for the first time since his Liverpool exit on Saturday. The German, who departed the Reds after eight-and-a-half years in May, managed during a special testimonial at former club Borussia Dortmund.

Klopp was part of the management team for Jakub Blaszczykowski's side as he went up against ex-teammate Lukasz Piszczek at Signal Iduna Park, making a brief return to football after saying he wanted a one-year break after his Anfield departure. Both players were influential during Klopp's tenure at Dortmund. The 57-year-old spent seven successful years at Dortmund between 2008 and 2015, winning 180 of his 319 matches in charge.

And he was back wearing the Dortmund colours for the testimonial game. The likes of ex-Leicester centre-back Marcin Wasilewski, Roma defender Mats Hummels, ex-Hull winger Kamil Grosicki, Neven Subotic and Roman Weidenfeller were named in the starting XI for Blaszczykowski.

As for Piszczek, there were a number of experienced campaigners in his side. Current Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin, Adrian Ramos, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Sokratis Papastathopoulos were among those playing for Piszczek, who were managed by former Liverpool assistant manager Peter Krawietz.

Klopp received a warm reception from the Dortmund fans as he walked out of the tunnel before kick-off. Upon sitting down in his technical area, Klopp had a beaming smile on his face and seemed delighted to be back in the dugout and managing a game of football for the first time in almost four months.

And his smile would grow even wider when Blaszczykowski took the lead in the ninth minute. Against the run of play, Nelson Valdez pinged a delightful pass over the top and the ball dropped to Grosicki who kept his composure before smashing the ball beyond goalkeeper Jaroslav Drobny.

However, the lead didn't last long as Piszczek levelled just before the quarter of an hour mark. It was former Liverpool midfielder Sahin who scored it, as he found himself through on goal after a sublime pass from Ruben Castro before superbly dinking the ball over the onrushing Roman Weidenfeller.

Even though his team had conceded, Klopp still had a smirk on his face and couldn't help but admire the sublime finish from Sahin. During the first half, it was clear that Klopp set his team up to play on the counter attack and to allow Piszczek to dominate the ball. Blaszczykowski had a solid defensive unit with Hummels, Wasilewski and Subotic among them, and it felt like they were comfortable sitting in a low block.

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When Blaszczykowski did have the ball, it also felt like they had the quality going forward to hurt their opponent. That was evident as the half wore on as Blaszczykowski went back in front just before half-time. Mladen Petric was in the right place at the right time to receive a cross at the back post, before taking a couple of touches and sliding ball into the net. Once again, Klopp was off his seat and delighted with his team.

It would get better for Blaszczykowski after the half-time break as they went into a 3-1 lead. In the 49th minute, Grosicki added his second of the afternoon, bursting into the box and slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It was a fine finish from the Pole, who was impressive throughout the match.

As it started to look like Blaszczykowski were running away with it, Piszczek grew back into the game and they were handed a lifelife on 53 minutes. That came when Felipe Santana put the ball into his own net, after an enticing cross from Marcel Schmelzer.

(Image: Getty Images)

Klopp started to look worried and his concerns would heighten when Piszczek equalised to make it 3-3. Artur Wichniarek was the man to put the finishing touches on a sensational team move, as Mkhitaryan drilled the ball across the face of goal to Wichniarek who touched home.

There was some annoyance from Klopp after that, and he decided to get out of the dugout before offering instructions to his team as he demonstrated the passion that Liverpool fans fell in love with during his time at the club. That seemed to do the job as Blaszczykowski retook the lead for the third time, with Lucas Barios making it 4-3. This time, Grosicki turned provider as he clipped the ball to the back post for Barios and he did the rest, tapping the ball home.

Piszczek started to push forward in an attempt to level once again, but Blaszczykowski, in typical Klopp style, managed to add a fifth and put the result beyond any doubt. Barios netted his second as he ran through on goal before dinking the ball over the 'keeper.

There was time for Piszczek to pull another back, however, as substitute Julian Brandt span in the penalty box and slotted the ball into the corner. That didn't have any impact on the result as Blaszczykowski held on to secure a 5-4 victory, and Klopp's first win since his departure from Liverpool.

Although it wasn't as intense as a Premier League game, it did seem like Klopp was back in his element by being on the touchline and it looked like he enjoyed every second of managing a game. His influence was there to see as well, and showed that he can still have a vital impact in the dugout.

While he has said he will take a break from management following his departure from Liverpool, one thing is certain. Klopp will be back in the game soon enough, and wherever he lands will be incredibly lucky to have him.

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