On 8 October 2015, Jurgen Klopp appointed as Liverpool FC’s new manager. It was an appointment filled with hopefulness and excitement, but what followed was beyond anyone’s expectations and imagination.
Six major trophies won during his tenure so far, yet Klopp’s legacy goes beyond that. Klopp has revitalized both a football club and a city, with his story at Liverpool marked by passion, resilience, and success.
Building the Foundations
Assuming his role in the middle of the 2015/16 campaign, Jurgen Klopp instantly set up his ‘heavy metal’ style of high-press football with dynamic attacks and formidable team spirit. He led the club to a League Cup final as well as a Europa League final, and despite the Reds falling short in both games, there was obvious reason for Liverpool supporters to be optimistic.
Embed from Getty ImagesThere seemed to be an immediate connection with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool fans, a recipe for success proven by Liverpool managers of the past from the likes of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Klopp matched Liverpool’s enthusiasm and energy highlighted none more so than by the emphatic 4-3 comeback against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League quarter final.
Klopp’s first full season was another step in the direction as Liverpool secured Champions League qualification for the first time since 2014. Sadio Mane was the first of many shrewd signings made in the Klopp era.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool’s astute business continued the next season with the signings of Mohamed Salah, Andrew Robertson, and Virgil van Dijk; This was also due to the rise of young talent, Trent Alexander-Arnold.
After gradually building a side that fit his DNA, Klopp made his first big statement by taking Liverpool all the way to the Champions League final in 2018.
It was a surprise run which included a famous victory over Manchester City in the quarter finals, incidentally, igniting a fierce rivalry that would go on to influence Klopp’s time in England. Despite a third consecutive loss in a final, Liverpool was now set to challenge at the top.
Creating a Legacy
After reaching the Champions League final, expectations were higher for Klopp’s team. Especially considering the investment into the squad. In the 2018 summer, Liverpool signed Brazilian pair, Alisson and Fabinho, key players found to bring home silverware.
It was an extraordinary season for the Reds, filled with highs and lows. In the league, they amassed an incredible ninety-seven points, the then third-highest points tally in the history of the English top division.
Manchester City beat Liverpool to the title with their only defeat of the season.
An agonising end to the league season was triumphed by Klopp bringing home Liverpool’s sixth European trophy. A 2-0 victory against Spurs in the final secured Klopp’s first trophy with Liverpool, Historic comeback against Barcelona in semi-final will forever define campaign.
Coming into the second leg at Anfield, Liverpool were 3-0 down with a monumental challenge ahead.
Two braces from Wijnaldum and Origi helped Liverpool to defy the odds, in what was another special European night at Anfield in the Klopp era. “I said to the boys before the game it was impossible, but because it’s you I say we have a chance”, was Klopp’s simple yet powerful message prior to the game.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiverpool added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet in 2019. This spurred momentum in Liverpool’s league season where they ended their 30-year wait to become English champions.
Liverpool FC made history by achieving a club record 99 points in the Premier League, solidifying Jurgen Klopp’s legacy as one of the all-time great managers for the historic team.
Resilient Reds
The following season was an unprecedented one for Liverpool and one that presented many challenges to Klopp. With the loss of fans to the global pandemic, combined with an extensive injury list, Liverpool’s season derailed as they crashed out of the Champions League and lost sight of retaining the Premier League after losing six consecutive home games for the first time in their history.
Klopp managed to navigate the crisis and salvaged the season in spectacular fashion after a last-minute winner from Alisson away to West Brom secured Champions League qualification.
The 2021-22 season was another roller-coaster of emotions for Klopp and Liverpool. Losing just four games in all competitions, Klopp nearly achieved the greatest feat in football history as Liverpool chased down an unexpected quadruple. The Reds were halfway there after beating Chelsea twice on penalties in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
However, old enemies came back to haunt Liverpool yet again. Manchester City edged the Premier League title by a single point. Real Madrid came out on top in the Champions League final. The only blemish on Klopp’s time at Liverpool is the familiar story of coming so far yet losing out by the finest of margins.
The Dawn of a New Era
Unlike prior seasons, the narrow losses of two major trophies appeared to take its toll on the Liverpool squad. Klopp was unable to bounce back and reignite the Kop’s flame. They ended the 2022-23 season trophyless and without Champions League qualification.
Klopp’s iconic Liverpool team facing complete reconstruction. Necessary by club management. Prompting the initiation of the ambitious project, known as, ‘Liverpool 2.0’. This aimed to elevate the team to new heights and bring fresh tactics and talent to Anfield.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe summer of 2023 saw the losses of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho. All of whom had been integral members of Klopp’s side.
Emerging talents like Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch have seized the spotlight. They stepped in to replace older players on the field with their youth and hunger for success.
Despite an excellent start to the campaign. Klopp surprisingly announced that he will depart Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season. Liverpool remains in the hunt for four trophies. It will be incentivised even more so to leave Klopp with a historic parting gift.
Eight years on from his appointment, Jurgen Klopp has undoubtably etched himself into Liverpool folklore. From winning number six in Madrid, to bringing back the title to Anfield. Klopp has handled one of Liverpool’s most successful eras and returning the club to its earlier heights.
Embed from Getty ImagesOn the pitch, Klopp has won it all for Liverpool, but he has also led the club off the pitch. During his tenure Liverpool have moved into the ultramodern AXA training facility. Also redeveloped the iconic Anfield stadium, bringing its capacity to over 60,000. No matter how Klopp’s story at Liverpool ends.
His legacy will forever live on, and Liverpool fans will be proud to sing that Jurgen is a Red.
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