Jurgen Klopp is perhaps one of the most charismatic and dynamic managers in the world of football. His dream spell at Dortmund and his ability to explore and develop new talent is nothing short of genius.
He has become a fan favorite at the clubs he has gone, and also to the rival fans. This has made him one of the most demanded managers amongst Europe's top tier clubs.
Managerial Career and Titles
Before becoming a manager, Klopp was a professional footballer himself and spent eleven years playing for Mainz 5. He played as both a defender and a striker, scoring 52 goals in his career.
As soon as he retired, he was appointed as the manager for Mainz 5 in 2001. During his seven-year stint, he guided the team to its first appearance in the Bundesliga and also qualified for the UEFA Cup. He resigned in 2008 after failing to re-promote the club.
After leaving Mainz, Klopp signed a two-year contract with Borussia Dortmund, the German heavyweights where he won the DFB-Supercup in his first season. After a couple of mediocre seasons, he led the team to consecutive victories in the Bundesliga in 2011 and 2012.
During the 2011-12 season, Dortmund reached its peak, scoring 47 points in the second half of the season and setting up a new record. He created history in 2012 with a domestic double, the club's first by winning the DFB-Pokhal. Klopp promised to focus on the UEFA Champions League the next season, and he adequately delivered.
Dortmund cleared the group of death without losing a game, and also defeated Mourinho's Madrid in the semis. However, they lost the finals to their arch-rival Bayern Munich after Robben scored the winner in the 89th minute. Dortmund was left trophyless that season.
The following season was mediocre for Klopp's standards, with Dortmund clenching the DFP-Pokhal Trophy, but were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League in the quarters. Although he won the DFB-Supercup, his final season in Dortmund was disappointing, as they finished 7th in the league and failed to win any other title. They lost the finals of the DFP-Pokhal to Wolfsburg.
He joined Liverpool in October 2015, mocking Mourinho by calling himself the "Normal One" in comparison to Jose's "Special One" comment in 2004. Till now he has had a mediocre spell with Liverpool as he guided his team to the finals of the League Cup, the Europa League finals and to qualifications for the Champions League.
Tactics
Klopp can be credited to bringing out several talented players, especially at Dortmund. Players like Lawendowski, Godse, Gundogan, and Hummels, all of whom are stars at top-tier European Clubs are findings of Klopp.
His Liverpool side is known for going for the ball in defense without waiting for the opposition to develop its play. It has led to a higher goal scoring rate, as well as a lower goal conceding rate.
He plays a variety of formations including a 4-2-3-1, a 3-4-3 a 3-5-2 and a 4-2-4, making him one of the most versatile managers. He also has a reputation for being outspoken, especially in press conferences. His iconic spectacles, informal outfits, and managerial gestures are nothing short of being iconic.
