Klopp's legendary status is secured - but his greatest gift goes beyond trophies
Jurgen Klopp will go down as one of the greatest managers of all time - not just because of what he has done on the pitch.
Klopp deserves his place not just alongside Liverpool’s greatest in Sir Kenny Dalglish, Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly but also the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho. The German redefined the role, breathed life back into Anfield and has given us a lifetime of incredible memories.
Klopp delivered Liverpool’s first title in 30 years, won the Champions League and did it all with his sensational heavy metal football. But more than that, much more than that, Klopp deserves to be remembered as a man of the people who connected with the fans, adores the Kop as much as they love him.
Guardiola is a tactical innovator. The Manchester City boss is amazing because his tactics have almost reinvented the game. What a genius. But Klopp is the ultimate dressing room manager. The spirit that he invoked amongst his players is unbreakable and has been a driving force behind his nine years at Anfield.
Liverpool players would run through brick walls for him. Look at the way they embrace him after games. Even after Liverpool got past Fulham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, just look at the way the players hugged him at the final whistle.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
When Klopp was asked about the banner “Imagine Being Us” in the away end, his face lit up. After all, Klopp was being asked about the Liverpool supporters and their joy of being in the hunt for four trophies.
Klopp celebrates victories with fist pumps and beating his chest in front of the Kop. The rest of football has copied him. Now you see League One and Two managers doing it.
Jurgen Klopp has cemented his status as one of football's greatest ever managers (Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)HAVE YOUR SAY: Who should Liverpool replace Klopp with? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Klopp has put Liverpool back among European football’s heavyweights. When the last team was beginning to break up, Klopp rebuilt it and this season was supposed to be about transition.
Yet, here they are top of the Premier League and chasing the title again. What a time to go: when Klopp is still at the peak of his powers, Liverpool can go out on a high and he still looks so young. What a farewell tour these next five months will be.
His job is so different to the days of Fergie, Paisley and Shankly. Yes, they did it all. Transfers, contracts, everything. Klopp has a sporting director, huge medical and stats staff. But the game has changed beyond all recognition. And that is why even Klopp, with all of his energy and desire, has found it draining.
But it is also why Klopp deserves his place among the very best.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
