October 8, 2015. A date that will be renowned by the Reds supporters for years to come, given it was the day that Jurgen Klopp walked into Anfield, not just as a head coach but as someone who dragged this hope… a hope of a brighter future at L4.
And the German did infect everyone around the club and English football with his charisma and smile complemented by this boundless energy that this football club was yearning for years. A sense of direction, a sense of identity, and a hunger for glory. Little did we know, this was only the beginning of a journey that would go on to redefine Liverpool and bring the Reds back to the top of the footballing world.
His debut game donning the Liverpool badge on the sidelines came only three days following his appointment; it was against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. While it wasn’t a glamorous game, nor was it a high-stakes clash, but this gave us the first look at what Liverpool under Klopp would go on to become.
The team Klopp fielded that day (looking back) was a mix of familiar faces and players that will go on to become legends playing under his tutelage. Let’s take this opportunity to dive deep and reflect on the starting 11 that took the field that day and where they are now:
GK: Simon Mignolet
Where is he right now? – Club Brugge
Mignolet was the first-choice player between the sticks when Klopp took charge, but his inconsistent performances gave a sense of frustration among the Kop, and this eventually led to his departure in 2019.
The Belgian joined Club Brugge, where he has now become a key player, helping them to multiple league titles. And at 36, he continues to be a reliable presence in goal.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
Where is he right now? – Crystal Palace
Clyne was beaming up and down and up again on that right flank when he started his Liverpool career, but his consistent struggles with injuries meant he eventually went on to lose his place to now vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold.
And after leaving Liverpool in 2020, he has now returned to Crystal Palace, where he is showcasing his experience and defensive skills, something that has proven to be valuable for the Eagles.
CB: Martin Skrtel
Where is he right now? – Retired
Skrtel. Looking back, he surely is a loved figure at Anfield Stadium, someone who was backed by the Kop for his toughness and leadership. And in 2016, he was sold to Fenerbahce, and then, he had a stint of playing in Italy, later moving to Turkey before finally returning to Slovakia, where he played for a semi-professional team, retiring in 2022.
That being said, even today, his contributions at L4 will always be remembered fondly.
CB: Mamadou Sakho
Where is he right now? – Torpedo Kutaisi
Sakho had a bit of a mixed time at Liverpool, no? He showed a bit of brilliance but then also had disciplinary problems during his time at Anfield.
After a spell at Liverpool, he joined Crystal Palace before transferring to Montpellier in France. Following a difficult period there, they released him in 2023, and now, he plays for the Georgian club Torpedo-Kutaisi.
LB: Alberto Moreno
Where is he right now? – Villarreal
Moreno was someone who was cherished for his offensive prowess, but then he did often struggle on the defensive side of things. He left Liverpool in 2019 for Villarreal, and he has made a stable career there.
Despite facing injuries, he played a crucial role in Villarreal’s Europa League triumph in 2021, scoring in the final shootout against the Reds’ arch-rivals Manchester United. Now, he remains with the Spanish club and continues to contribute.
CM: Emre Can
Where is he right now? – Borussia Dortmund
Once a core member of Klopp’s squad in the early days in L4, he departed for Juventus in 2018. He struggled to establish himself in Serie A before an eventual return to Germany with Borussia Dortmund, where he has now cemented his place and is now captain following the step-down of Marco Reus.
CM: Lucas Leiva
Where is he right now? – Retired
Lucas used to be another player on this list who was highly loved at Anfield. He was known for his tenacity in the middle of the park.
But he left for Lazio in 2017 and enjoyed a successful stint in Italy before returning to Brazil to play for Gremio.
Leiva announced his retirement in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of Liverpool’s cult heroes.
AM: Adam Lallana
Where is he right now? – Southampton
Initially being a important part of Klopp’s squad at Liverpool, Lallana later struggled with injuries, which also somewhat proved to be a stop button in his progress with the Merseysiders, and he moved to Brighton in 2020, continuing with the club in the Premier League.
Now 36, he has taken on a vital role at Southampton in the Premier League, providing experience and leadership to a young team that is gradually coming to terms with the English top tier.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
Where is he right now? Vasco da Gama
Coutinho was the star of the team when Klopp took on the team, but then he moved to Barcelona in 2018, which did not go as planned, and after loan spells at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, he is now currently on loan at Vasco da Gama in Brazil.
RW: James Milner
Where is he right now? – Brighton
Saying goodbye to Anfield Stadium in 2023, Milner joined Brighton, and he is still playing there. And at 39, he remains a valuable asset at Amex, often playing backup to multiple roles while having his hands around shoulders of the younger players.
CF: Divock Origi
Where is he right now? – AC Milan
Origi will remain a cult hero in each corner of Liverpool. He has scored several vital goals for the side, particularly in the Champions League.
More Liverpool News
- Robbie Fowler reveals the ‘extraordinary’ quality of Salah that defies explanation
- Top journalist confirms Liverpool’s repeated Bundesliga scouting missions
- Liverpool takes initial steps toward signing PL attacker
Since joining the Rossoneri from Liverpool in 2022, he has been aiming to establish himself in the club; however, clutch finishing is still a big part of his attributes.
