Jurgen Klopp Liverpool
For one of the most high profile managers in football, Jurgen Klopp can be surprisingly devoid of ego. Content to spread the praise when the going is good at Anfield, Klopp has never been shy of revealing the role his coaching staff have played in the Reds’ success these past couple of years.
Jurgen Klopp said: “It’s very important you try to understand the people around you and give them real support. Then everybody can act. That’s what leadership is. Have strong people around you with better knowledge in different departments than yourself. Don’t act like you know everything and be ready to admit that. It’s not a real philosophy, it’s just my way of life. If I would expect I know everything and I’m the best at everything, I couldn’t have confidence but I don’t expect that. I know I’m good at a couple of things, really good at a few things, and that’s enough. My confidence is big enough that I can really let people grow next to me. That’s no problem. I need experts around me.”
It’s a refreshing change from the general pen picture of elite modern managers, who are portrayed as all-knowing oracles at times. For Klopp, Liverpool is simply too big an institute for its success to be solely down to the decisions of one man. It is why the lines of communication remain fluid and open across all departments, leading right up to Klopp, sporting director Michael Edwards and Fenway Sports Group president, Mike Gordon, who effectively takes ownership of day-to-day running. Klopp’s laissez-faire approach is in contrast to how someone like Alex Ferguson presided over matters at Manchester United for close to three decades, but the in-house structure of top-level clubs require more chefs in the kitchen in 2021. Even if some decisions have appeared to jar with Klopp’s own hopes, the manager has often been reluctant to step in or pull rank. Take, for example, Gini Wijnaldum’s contract at Anfield earlier this year. Klopp wanted to keep the Dutch midfielder at the club beyond the terms of a contract that expired over the summer.
Jurgen Klopp said: “I would be happy if he would stay here. There is nothing else to say about it. As long as nothing is decided, then everything is possible. I’m positive.”
Despite Klopp – and Wijnaldum’s – wishes, however, the Netherlands international’s future would lie away from Anfield and he now lines up in the most star-studded squad in world football at Paris Saint-Germain. Klopp’s influence inside the corridors of Anfield power is sizable given his accomplishments over the last six years, but he still did not get what he wanted where Wijnaldum was concerned. Where Jordan Henderson is, however, Klopp moved to make an exception to his rule. With the Reds captain keen to bring a resolution to a somewhat surprise contract impasse, Klopp did what he seemingly did not – or could not – for Wijnaldum and stepped into the equation. After detailing his optimism over a new contract for the Liverpool skipper last week, Klopp even hinted at his own involvement in what have since been described as positive talks between the club and Henderson’s representatives.
Jurgen KLopp said: “We don’t really speak about these kinds of things. I know we changed that a little bit with Hendo but that doesn’t mean we will talk from now on and tell you about each little step we make in any negotiations and stuff like this.”
It’s been reported this week that Klopp has played a key role in soothing over what was a complicated and delicate set of circumstances for both the club and its longest-serving player.
