The process of finding a successor to sacked Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was executed in a very German way: highly effective with clear instruction. The Reds followed the timeline without any mistakes and as a result have ended up with one of Europe’s most sought-after managers in Jürgen Klopp, who gave up his sabbatical year and returned to work after a four month break.
In his 25 minute press conference last Friday, Klopp showed the British media the charisma, personality and ambition that his predecessors at Liverpool have always lacked. It is true that Klopp needs more time to find his own rhythm in England, but the combination of Klopp and Anfield is definitely something we should look forward to.
Klopp fits Liverpool Football Club in many ways, and this wasn’t the first time that Fenway Sports Group had tried to lure him away from Germany. The first two times, back in 2010 and 2012, Klopp said no due to his deep affection for Borussia Dortmund. But this time the feeling was right and even the notorious reputation of Liverpool’s transfer committee didn’t stop him.
The city of Liverpool is similar to Dortmund to some extent. Both enjoy an important place in history but have suffered great economic decline in recent decades. Residents of the two cities are tough, working class people who breathe football, which makes Anfield and Westfalenstadion such unique places in football world.
Anfield is a very emotional place. The Hillsborough Disaster, the decline of the Red Army – everything is here for Klopp to build his destiny. And his famous “Gegenpressing” football philosophy, which essentially requires all players to press their opponents when they concede the ball – or counter the “counter attack” – will be familiar to most Liverpool players because they once played in a similar system under Brendan Rodgers. Remember the mighty Reds who pressed their opponents ferociously under the lead of Luis Suarez in the 2013/14 season? Rodgers appeared to run out of ideas towards the end of his reign but Klopp will certainly bring exciting football back to Anfield.
His first game as Liverpool manager will be away to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend, while the home fans will have to wait until the middle of next week to see him at Anfield when Rubin Kazan visit in the Europa League Group stage. We anticipate a full house to greet him. Klopp has stated he wants to change the doubters into believers – that process starts now.
