“In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.” - Nikos Kazantzakis
Short of that very essentiality – belief – just over a year ago, Liverpool’s players and supporters alike were in need of a manager capable of harnessing the best out of the former and galvanising the latter.
One year ago on 8 October - Jurgen Norbert Klopp was unveiled as Liverpool FC’s new manager to succeed Brendan Rodgers.
One of the most notable things the German said during his first full interview as Liverpool manager is something Reds fans won’t hurriedly forget:
“We have to change from doubters into believers. Now.”
And change they did.
Klopp was arguably Fenway Sports Group’s (FSG) most important and impressive appointment as owners, having managed to convince the German to come out of a 4-month sabbatical to take charge of the Reds.
The German parted ways with Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2015 after an exciting 7-year tenure which saw them win two successive titles and three domestic cups besides finishing runners-up in the Bundesliga twice and once in the Champions League (2012/13).
In this article, we take a look at what transpired immediately prior to the German’s arrival in the North-West of England, his appointment thereafter and the impact he has had since taking over reins at Liverpool.
The parting with Rodgers
If Brendan Rodgers was under the scanner following a poor end to the 2014/15 season, then a spate of draws, a loss to arch rivals Manchester United and a whitewashing at home (losing 0-3) against West Ham did nothing to ease the pressure off the Ulsterman’s shoulders at the onset of the new season.
The last game before the international break in October 2015 was the Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. A lot was at stake, including pride and bragging rights, but the Reds only salvaged a point from the outing.
Heading into the break, Liverpool stood tenth in the table and had managed only 12 points on the board, having played 8 Premier League matches but winning just 3 of them - unimpressive to say the least.
That same night, Rodgers’ contract was terminated by FSG and a statement to this effect was made on the club’s website.
While several Liverpool fans rejoiced at the sacking, a section of them wished him well; for, they knew they had bid goodbye to a well-intentioned, good coach under whom the Reds played some eye-catching football, a man who was probably not the right fit for the club at the time.
The appointment of Klopp
It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Liverpool fans were in a state of frenzy, caused by the uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a successor to Rodgers.
Several names were thrown into the proverbial hat as fans across the globe spent more time on social media debating and discussing the future. News websites and rumour mills had a good time churning out stuff that fans lapped up instantly in their state of nervous energy. Klopp was mentioned frequently enough in the papers as was Carlo Ancelotti; other, albeit less thrilling, names like Frank De Boer and Rudy Garcia were also bandied about.
On the fourth day after Rodgers’ departure, however, the official announcement came - Jurgen Klopp was the man!
Needless to say, Reds supporters rejoiced at the news - a long time had passed since someone with world-class credentials and unquestionable curriculum vitae had been at the helm at Anfield.
Klopp arrived during the international break and there was more than a full week to go until Liverpool’s next game. However, fans soaked in the excitement of the new managerial appointment and dug up write-ups on Klopp (including his old quotes on heavy metal football and what not!) and his training methods, and replayed Dortmund match videos on a loop in an attempt to understand his style.
Uniting a fractious fan base
During the last few months of Rodgers’ tenure, there was an air of bleakness about Liverpool football club. The team had gone from unexpected title challengers in 13/14 to finishing sixth in 14/15 (granted, Suarez was missed immensely), to tenth in the table after eighth games of the new season.
There was a distinct lack of identity and playing style, and the gap between the fans and the dressing room widened. For the first time in 17 years, Steven Gerrard – who had called time on his playing days at Liverpool – could not be called upon to save the day either.
On the pitch, players seemed to lack self-belief and confidence - a feeling which mirrored in the stands as supporters grew frustrated.
Klopp’s arrival changed that.
The German had impressive and successful managerial stints at Mainz and then Dortmund. In the Bundesliga, Klopp’s BVB had consistently challenged the mighty Bayern Munich at the top of the table and it hadn’t gone unnoticed around Europe.
In walking away from the BVB job, he had taken a sabbatical by choice; there wouldn’t have been a shortage of suitors at the slightest indication of his availability. FSG’s appointment of Klopp was therefore seen as nothing short of a coup by Reds fans.
His idea of football involved an attractive style of play; his tactical acumen matched some of the best there is – the run-up to the Champions League final stood testament to his growing reputation.
As they rejoiced and welcomed the new gaffer, there was a growing sense of unity again among a fragmented Liverpool fan base. Players looked forward to coming back from their international commitments to work with the manager, get to know him and understand what he wanted from them. There was anticipation everywhere and it is commendable that all of this was achieved without a single minute of football being played.
The Premier League standings may not have altered overnight but there were subtle differences elsewhere; players were energized as were the fans. It is difficult not to buy into the Bavarian’s optimism, given his impressive resume, passion for football, and honest talk.
Instilling belief: the coming together of the ‘Holy Trinity’
“At a football club, there’s a holy trinity – the players, the manager and the supporters…” – Bill Shankly, former Liverpool manager (1959-1974)
Klopp’s stint started off with a goalless draw against Tottenham, followed by stalemates against Rubin Kazan in the Europa League and Southampton in the Premier League.On the afternoon of 31 October 2015, Liverpool visited Stamford Bridge. Then reigning champions Chelsea kicked off proceedings in style, with Ramires scoring in the fourthminute.
However, Liverpool did not give up; they chased and harassed the Blues, and seconds before the half-time whistle blew, Philipe Coutinho equalised with a brilliant curling effort. Second half goals from Coutinho and Christian Benteke ensured that the Reds left London with three points in the kitty.
Following their Europa League exertion (which meant a trip to wintry Russia to play Rubin Kazan), Liverpool hosted Crystal Palace at Anfield – a match the Reds lost 1-2. Scott Dann’s winner in the 82nd minute gave Palace the lead and the visitors held on for victory.
Dann’s header also saw the home crowd slowly begin to trickle out of the stadium as Klopp watched from the touchlines. In the aftermath of the game, the gaffer said in his press conference:
“After the goal on 82 minutes, with 12 minutes to go, I saw many people leaving the stadium. I felt pretty alone at this moment. We decide when it is over. Between 82 and 94 [minutes] you can make eight goals if you like.”
The Bavarian’s message was clear – the supporters had to believe in the players and the fact that the team could stage a comeback, no matter how late. As long as there was time on the clock, there was hope.
The manager’s appeal did not go unheard as supporters stayed back thereafter, to cheer the players until and after the end of games, and the gesture was duly rewarded.
A late victory against Norwich City in the dying minutes of injury time, Joe Allen’s goal that clinched a vital draw against Arsenal, Origi’s 96th-minute equaliser against West Brom Albion all come to mind.
But the most important one, the deal-clincher so to say, was the fight-back from two goals down to win 5-4 on aggregate against Borussia Dortmund in the Europa league quarterfinal. Anfield erupted in joy as the result propelled the Reds into a European semi-final; the comeback win also brought with it wonderful memories from their Champions League win at Istanbul in 2005.
There was a hitherto unseen resilience in their style, a belief that also reflected among the supporters. Klopp had managed to unify the holy trinity of players, fans and the manager.
A partial season ended with hopes for a promising future
The games kept coming in thick and fast since Klopp took over reins mid-season; the Reds chastened Manchester City 1-4 at the Etihad and won impressively against Southampton in the League Cup but defeats at Newcastle and Watford showcased the inconsistency that plagued their performances.
A season marred by debilitating injuries to a host of players including Jordan Henderson, Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Divock Origi certainly did not help matters.
However, despite the adverse circumstances, the team fashioned late wins and pushed forward in the Europa League and the League Cup reaching the finals of both tournaments. Premier League commitments had to take a backseat, keeping in mind the progress in the cups as well as the injuries to players. After all, the prize up for grabs for the Europa winners was a place in the Champions League next season!
The fairytale ending to Klopp’s first season in-charge was not to be though. Liverpool lost the League Cup to Manchester City on penalties while Sevilla emerged victorious in the Europa final. The emotions took a toll and dampened the mood in the camp but Klopp lifted the morale of his players during the end-of-season team party saying:
“This is just the start for us. We will play in many more finals. We Are Liverpool.”
It is this belief and positive energy that has rubbed off on players and fans alike.
Liverpool reached two finals in less than a season under Klopp, while playing 63 games and with the gaffer not having a fully fit first team squad at his disposal. With a full preseason and a transfer window where he has dipped in to bring in suitable players to complement the Reds’ style, there is new hope for what the Reds can achieve.
A whole greater than the sum of its parts
When Klopp arrived at Liverpool, he inherited a squad that didn’t believe in themselves or their ability to perform. Fans called for some players to be sold and expected an overhaul either in January or the summer.
It is massive credit to Klopp that he formed judgement based on his own interactions and experiences with the players during training sessions, without relying on their past merit or the lack of it. He backed them all in public – including the much-maligned Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren – and stuck to his promise of giving all of his players a fresh start and multiple chances to impress him.
Putting the needs of the team before the individual was the standout quality he desired from his squad; those who fit that bill played, the rest were left out. It was primarily due to these factors that Liverpool managed to finish eighth in the Premier League while simultaneously contesting in two cups and finishing runners-up in those competitions.
The manager had created a team that gelled together, functioned as a cohesive unit and provided an output that was greater than the individual talent of the 11 players on the pitch.
A friend in need, a disciplinarian in need
In one of his earliest press conferences as manager of Liverpool, Klopp spoke about being friends with his players but not their best friend. He would be there for them when they needed him but that could not translate to cutting corners in training or performance.
Every Reds player has attested to Klopp’s warmth and cheerful persona; some have benefited immensely from him, some others have learnt harsh lessons.
Adam Lallana’s Liverpool career has been transformed under the German; the Englishman has gone from being one of the first names on fans’ “transfer out” wish-list to the club’s ‘Player of the month’ in September, polled by supporters.
A similar turnaround in fortune has also seen Dejan Lovren establish himself in central defence, Jordan Henderson flourish as a “number 6” in defensive midfield and even James Milner executing the role of a left fullback to near-perfection.
On the other hand, Mamadou Sakho was sent back from Liverpool’s preseason tour owing to disciplinary reasons and is currently featuring for the U-23 team while Mario Balotelli has been shipped off to French club Nice.
Reputation, stature among fans and experience – none of these mattered; commitment to the team’s cause did and Klopp did not compromise on it.
Thrilling times on the cards for Reds fans
Since Klopp took charge, no team has scored more goals in the Premier League than Liverpool (73). Indeed it is just seven games into the 2016/17 Premier League season- Klopp’s first full season in charge - but it is key to note that The Reds are joint leaders with Manchester City in terms of goals scored (18).
The Reds also top the league charts when it comes to number of sprints made (20,764) and average possession held (58.8%).
Klopp believes that attack is the best form of defence – winning back possession and exploiting space is essential to his style of play. It should, therefore, come as no surprise that Liverpool have faced the fewest shots (365) in the Premier League after Manchester City (334).
This is also why he prefers to employ the highly mobile Roberto Firmino as a false nine; the Brazilian’s guile and movement match his eye for goal while he also forms the first line of defence for the Reds.
The new season saw Liverpool embark on their journey in style as a thrilling encounter against Arsenal resulted in a 4-3 win for the Reds. With seven games played, Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table having won five of their games, lost one and drawn one.
They are only two points adrift of table toppers Manchester City, one point behind Spurs and on level terms with Arsenal.
It is early on in the season but the emphatic start has ensured that Liverpool pick up from where they left off last season – in form and on full steam.
Title challenge: still some way to go
Klopp’s persona and the goal-scoring exploits of his team along with a vocal, unified fan base are major positives but these should not mask the deficiencies currently in existence. Liverpool’s defence has been the team’s weakness as they continue to concede from set pieces.
Over Klopp’s one-year tenure, the Reds have amassed 64 points and scored the most goals but despite having faced the second fewest shots, have conceded as many as 50 goals.
The Merseysiders have also made a habit of losing to lower-placed opposition; the loss to Burnley was disappointing as was the first half performance against Swansea.
Liverpool cannot let complacency or inconsistency creep into their performances if they harbour realistic hopes for finishing in the top four come the end of the season. A title challenge is a bit far-fetched, especially given their suspect defensive organization and discipline.
Klopp will know that Liverpool will have to improve on this aspect significantly in order to fight for the Premier League trophy and consistently challenge the elite at top levels across Europe.
Conclusion
The German manager’s first year in charge has heralded the beginning of a new era at Anfield. He was rewarded with a new long-term contract by the owners in the summer, which is adequate proof that the ‘Normal One’ is hitting the right chords – be it with fans, player or owners.
While he may not be interested in cutting a cake to celebrate his first anniversary as manager, there is no reason to not wish him on the occasion. Frohes Jubiläum, Kloppo!Here is to wishing him all success with Liverpool in the years to come.
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