Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is leaving an incredible squad for his successor compared to what he inherited in 2015
Jurgen Klopp is leaving a fantastic squad for Arne Slot at Liverpool compared to what he inherited from Brendan Rodgers. We take a look at the first two seasons under the 56-year-old which played a pivotal role in his success.
Klopp has successfully installed a culture of success while balancing it with the development of talented players from the academy. It is a big responsibility for the next Liverpool head coach and management to maintain that culture once Klopp leaves.
It is also essential to remember the long journey that Klopp took with the club to reach this point. In October 2015, Liverpool sacked former manager Brendan Rodgers after the club suffered a poor draw against local rivals Everton.
The fanbase remembered the years of suffering that come in the cycle right after a season of Premier League title chase. Similar events happened after the 2008-09 season when Rafa Benitez’s men charged for the title and the next season they crumbled.
Benitez suffered the exit and then in another similar cycle, Liverpool challenged in the 2013-14 season only to miss out again. The following season Rodgers’ ran out of ideas and his team fell into mediocrity as many big names departed Liverpool.
Klopp arrived with a fantastic reputation in Germany after his successful stint at Borussia Dortmund and FSV Mainz 05. The German asked for patience in his first interview and reminded the fans of the importance of becoming believers from doubters.
The first season of Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp – 2015/2016
The 56-year-old inherited a mediocre team with few quality players who are yet to fulfil their potential. Klopp immediately infused the squad with his tactical style and philosophy that demanded plenty from the players.
The high-pressing system also demands cohesiveness and team chemistry, something that disappeared from Liverpool during the final days under Rodgers. Many players struggled with injuries while they adjusted to the new philosophy but recognized its necessity for development.
Liverpool’s poor start to the season and inconsistency continued but Klopp focused on cup competitions as a source of achievement. The Reds reached the League Cup final to challenge Manchester City but lost the game at Wembley on penalties.
Klopp’s new team also reached the Europa League finals after beating his former club Dortmund and Manchester United. Liverpool lost yet another final that season as Sevilla won the final 3-1, cancelling the opening goal from Daniel Sturridge.
Despite the disappointment, the club’s hunger for success rejuvenated with realistic hope and a sense of the cycle finally breaking. Klopp’s promising season with the squad he only inherited showed his ability to make players perform better than their capabilities.
First game-changing signings under the Jurgen Klopp-Liverpool era – 2016/17
Liverpool cannot compete with the other Premier League clubs in the transfer market and that truth is well-known. Klopp understood the project he was signing up for but the transfer market played an essential role nonetheless.
While Liverpool cannot sign readymade superstars as the inflated price tags continued to rise, Klopp would need the right players. Under the strategic and negotiating skills of Michael Edwards, Liverpool thrived in the transfer market to back their manager.
While numerous players that Rodgers signed departed, Klopp brought in Joel Matip, Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum, bolstering his squad. Many players including Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Christian Benteke, Jordan Ibe, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure departed the club.
Klopp continued to trust some players like Jordan Henderson and James Milner while using Firmino correctly, something that Rodgers failed. Furthermore, the German trusted the academy to develop players for his first team, providing chances to youngsters.
His trust in the academy played a key role in the rise of current Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold. Trent broke into the senior team during the 2016-17 season as the right back and eventually secured his starting role.
The German achieved the Champions League qualification during this season which helped in the continuous and gradual growth of his project. Liverpool have the reputation of having patience with their manager and it paid off immensely as Klopp revitalized the club.
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As Slot takes the head coach role and succeeds Klopp, he will receive similar backing from the management and the fans. However, the Dutchman is inheriting a far better squad with the club in a much better position than what Klopp inherited, something that makes him a Liverpool legend and much-adored manager in the modern era.
