Jürgen Klopp: The Sole Candidate

http://anfieldindex.com/17245/jurgen-klopp-sole-candidate.html

As Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Liverpool manager edges towards an unsavoury climax, I look to the man on every supporters’ lips and why he’d make the ideal replacement.

Should the Liverpool job be made available, I expect it will be highly coveted and sought after. FSG, despite recent criticisms on decision making, are extremely generous and supportive owners (for how much longer remains to be seen). The club whilst not as financially strong as the current top 4, are still within the top ten richest clubs in Europe; with significantly more to come through enhancements in sponsorship, increased TV revenue and a soon to be revamped Anfield. Despite fortunes on the pitch, the club is clearly moving in the right direction off it.

I feel supporters, perhaps understandably, underrate the players at the manager’s disposal, both within the first team squad and with those on loan. Throughout the majority of last season and so far this, the players have rarely been given the opportunity to impose and impress. The dour tactics and baffling team selections haven’t harnessed the talents available and players’ strengths have been masked, whilst weaknesses exposed.

I’m of the genuine belief that while concerns over leadership are valid, there are players in the squad who just need the opportunity to find their voice, particularly Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can. At the moment we look rudderless, with nobody taking control and responsibility on the pitch, but I do believe that’s temporary. The major obstacles for me stem from a deep underlying problem with confidence, which is something that can be rectified, by a motivator and leader off the pitch.

The average age of the first team squad is just 24, with the majority coming into their prime years. We’ve also got an academy full of highly technical and skilful players, some with very bright futures. I believe the quality is there for the a manager to come in and reap instant rewards. The team has all the raw ingredients to develop not just a combative and competitive cohesive side; but one with pace, fluidity, ingenuity and a clinical edge.

Whilst the squad on paper contains no world class players, there are a handful who have the potential to reach that level, most notably Philipe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and if he regains and maintains fitness Daniel Sturridge. With many more just that tier below, in particular Mamadou Sakho, Nathanial Clyne, Christian Benteke, Emre Can and Jordan Henderson. In those 8 you have the makings of a very strong team, with an excellent spine. I’d go as far to say a top 4 team, if utilised properly, with a successful tactical vision and attacking philosophy.

So why is Jürgen the man to change our fortunes? Firstly and this is something that resonates with all Liverpool supporters, he’s extremely passionate. He has a deep rooted love, even obsession for the game. Whilst I always loved Rafa Benitez’s pragmatic approach, at times it felt a little cold. In stark contrast Klopp displays true heart on the touch line of Luis Suarez proportions. He’s emotionally involved in the game, which makes him so relatable to supporters and certainly one of the reasons he was adored by Dortmund’s fanbase.

His record at Dortmund is exceptional, 2 Bundesliga titles and 4 cup wins in 7 years speaks volumes. Klopp’s Dortmund achieved this despite competing with one of the best sides in European football in Bayern Munich, in a league far more competitive in recent years than its given credit for. But it’s not just domestic success, Borussia had one incredible run in the Champions League, only to fall at the final hurdle and have regularly reached the knock out stages. This is particularly impressive considering the budget his team was built on, and much like Liverpool, star players departing each summer.

His record isn’t perfect, especially last season when key injuries and fatigue began to take its toll. But when Dortmund have struggled, Jürgen’s team always rallied, which was demonstrated last season when a cup final was reached and a 7th placed finish, after an extremely difficult season. That to me typifies a Klopp team, they always fight! They’ve always played with a never say die attitude and that’s exactly what Liverpool as a football club are lacking. We lose all level of hope when we concede first. Heads drop, confidence disappears and we seem to shrink on the pitch. That can’t continue, if we’re ever to be a competitive again.

Since Luis Suarez left, I’ve been desperately hoping for a special player to join who can inspire the team once more. A catalyst, a spark and someone who can lift the crowd. A born leader, who plays with such passion that it raises the level of those around him. All this time however, my efforts have been focused on the wrong area of the pitch. It’s not a player we need to unite and inspire the players and supporters alike, but a manager.

If Liverpool are ever to compete for a cup, a league title or within Europe, we need a manager that can influence games from the touchline. One who commands the upmost respect from his players. Jürgen Klopp’s Dortmund have competed consistency at the highest level, which has helped him gain vital knowledge of how to win competitions. Crucially and this is where Rodgers is lacking, he’s also adapted after his team lost. He’s a manager who can evolve and develop a successful team, a proven winner of the highest order.

Typically a Jürgen Klopp team plays a high intensity, high pressing, all action game. Sound familiar? Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers in 13/14 have shown that the majority of the EPL can’t cope with that dynamic attacking approach. Whilst Rodgers has abandoned that style, at Liverpool Jürgen would have the players at his disposal to replicate this formula, but he has shown a level of tactical flexibility to adapt if required.

Recently when players have left Liverpool, many have had less than polite things to say about Rodgers. Now this isn’t a recent phenomenon in football, nor exclusive to Brendan. But an element of why I have always admired Jürgen is the sheer love and adulation his players have for him. I’ve never read a player with a negative word to say about Klopp and after the turmoil and in fighting in recent seasons, a calm, settling and loved figure are exactly what Liverpool needs.

The reason I fear Jürgen Klopp will never manage Liverpool, is because it’s almost too perfect a fit. If you gave me the opportunity to employ any manager in world football it would be him. He’s the man who supporters need to bring unity and inspire hope, by crucially harnessing the talents of our squad. He’s the man the players need, to bring strong tactical knowledge, whilst injecting some heart and confidence. Above all else he’s not just one of many suitable candidates, he’s the sole candidate, required to guide our great club back to where it belongs.

 

just stop the pissing about and get our man lol

 

His replacement at Dortmund Tuchel is doing an excellent job. Ironically Tuchel took up the job at Mainz after Klopp left for Dortmund. So if Klopp comes and leaves look no further than Tuchel . The next games will make or break Rodgers

Villa H
Everton A
Spurs A
Saints H
Chelsea A
Palace H
City A
Swansea H

His last club may sound the death nail to his job ironically at anfield.

 

Tuchel has won 11 out of 11 games this season?

And Mkhitaryan has been amazing now that he's injury free. Shame we didn;t get him.

 

"The reasons I fear Klopp might never manage Liverpool".....a) he won't want Mike Gordon picking players for him b) we're **** c) the keeper has more flaps than RHC's porn collection d) the midfield is woeful e) the defence is worse f) Benteskey g) ze tea lady iz not efficient enough h) he's mad...but not that mad

#happymondayeveryone

 

i) FSG won't be keen on a man with his own personality (ie, not a yes man)

 

j) Klopp's dossier is only 178 pages long

 

To be fair, I think Benteke could thrive under Klopp. He would certainly build a system which would get the best out of him instead of shoe horning him into our existing set up.

 

if he does worse than that then he well deserves the boot

 

I agree.

 

This, he can be out lewandowski (obviously not saying he's as good) but similar type. Lewandowski has more skill on the ball but benteke probably offers more pace.

 

I don't know whether Klopp would be the right man for us or not but I think the players are losing faith in Rodgers - whoever the players are for each particular game, the team just never looks confident. It's just one of those things you can't put your finger on, but you know there's an air of unsettlement. The only exception I think is Ings who looks untouched by the negativity that is enveloping the club.

 

I thought Ings looked good from the clips I saw on motd (I know I know) but seems to got good reports from those that watched the game as well.

Hope le he gets a proper start up top, maybe play him v Carlisle for 60 mins and then the whole game v villa?

 

Possibly yeah, I think a fair few could benefit (the Benteke thing was a tad tongue in cheek really) but I think bringing in any manager with a remit of "build a team around the big fella" is a recipe for disaster and hardly likely to attract the best managerial candidates.

It all begs the question....would a different manager have even signed Benteke in the summer (given the same transfer budget)? Would a new manager even have much of a choice? As you know, I have serious doubts about those at Anfield charged with identifying and recruiting players. Getting a new manager may well improve coaching/tactics/confidence but would it solve all our ills? Unfortunately not IMO, not unless the committee goes and Ayre is replaced.

 

A massive part of the equation is when Rodgers gets sacked. If he gets sacked during the season you have a lot more chance of getting Klopp, but if it's in the summer (or last few months of the season) then you might have quite a few competitors for his signature.

The other clubs looking for a new manager at the same time as you will make or break the deal. If there are a few CL clubs looking it will be a lot tougher...

I'm sure FSG have thought of this, and it may mean Rodgers getting the boot before Christmas I reckon...

 

Beneteke is a useful addition to any manager. He can play good football and he can score screamers, as well as being a target man.

All balanced squads should have all the tools available to them, e.g. the absolute minimum he provides would be to play against our defenders in training so they get better at handling those players.

We don't have to build around our strikers. Build around our midfield, control the game, and the strikers will do their job.

 

Fitting in with your thought pattern here (Benteke needs crosses), who would Klopp use from our current setup to put the crosses in?

PS...I'm expecting you to say Milner on the right here btw

 

Moreno

 

May as well ask Migs to do it

 

Why?
Moreno got down the line well and attacked well yesterday, looked dangerous from what I saw. Don't know what his defending was like but was our main attacking threat.