The similarities between Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp

Developing Young Players

At the outset, the success rate of Rodgers at bringing through youth over Klopp is exemplary. Given the recent successes of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe and Jon Flanagan, it can be said that Rodgers has an edge over Klopp.

But when analysed in the context of their respective philosophies, it must be noted that since both managers prefer a high pressing style, there is a certain trust placed on younger players. Like all coaches, there is the ability for the managers to mould the younger players to suit their system, rather than the other way around, which is not generally possible when it comes to older players.

Steven Gerrard is set to play his first game in the MLS on July 11

While Rodgers has had to deal with ageing superstars in the form of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Klopp has faced lesser problems of such nature. But as I reiterated earlier, it is the loss of key performers such as Lewandowski and Goetze, who ticked all boxes for Klopp but still ended up leaving Dortmund.

On the trophy front, though, Liverpool is completely beaten in spite of all the enterprising play. Clubs connect on an another level with fans, when there are trophies in the cabinet.

Klopp with his wild and much more expressive style is not the measure of passion which Rodgers displays as well. While, Klopp is more of an action guy, Rodgers prefers to be the quiet and calculating guy, who believes in pulling the strings and let his players take the adulation and limelight.

Conclusion

The final day performance of both clubs ended on sour notes, as Liverpool was thrashed 6-1 at Britannia Stadium, thus weakening his position as the LFC manager. The acceptance of responsibility does show Rodgers in good light. A review is in the pipeline as has been mentioned in the media.

Klopp lost the German Cup Final, and will be taking a sabbatical after 7 years of joyous strain as he has described it.

The touted replacements for Rodgers have been ruled out due to varying reasons, thus providing another opportunity for Rodgers to iron out certain issues. A better push for the title and a domestic trophy, will go some way in restoring the owner’s faith in Rodgers.

These are just some of the few points that are likely to be discussed during the review. While the final day result was the worst since 1963, it is never too bad a thing to shake things up. A strict review and a move towards the adoption of reforming principles can help Rodgers get better.

Remember one of the priorities of FSG, when appointing a coach was a bright young manager, a project which needs time. While everyone desires success in the form of trophies, it is the roots that can give the structure more strength so as to build pinnacles of success.

Liverpool as an institution has served as a role model for many other clubs. All fans of their respective clubs, crave for instant success, but patience is the true winner.

A lifetime of patience may not guarantee a title, but it sure will help the belief and the ability to put harder times behind with a smile on our faces knowing that:

“At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky, walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain. Though your dreams be tossed and blown. Walk on walk on with hope in your heart, and you will never walk alone”