Klopp

Introduction

October 2015 to May 2024 was an amazing time to be a Liverpool supporter. A period that is right up there with the greatest in this club’s history.

The Jürgen Klopp era was a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Eight and a half years of unbelievable highs and excruciating lows. Tears of joy and tears of sadness. Celebrations and commiserations. Yet the good times far outweighed the bad.

Jürgen’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund generated a huge buzz of excitement and plenty of hope amongst a success-starved fanbase, but not even the most optimistic of Liverpudlians could have foreseen the glory he would bring.

From heavy metal football and mentality monsters to journey hunters and history makers. Not only did Jürgen fully succeed in turning doubters into believers, he created memories that will last a lifetime and made everyone’s wildest dreams come true.

This adopted Scouser from the Black Forest in Germany reunited the club, restored pride and re-established the team as an all-conquering force that swept across football pitches at home and abroad like a powerful tornado, gathering up silverware in its wake. He took Liverpool back to the top level and kept them there, consistently challenging for the game’s major honours and completely revolutionising the way we see football at Anfield.

This book traces the most pivotal and memorable moments of his tenure, including the countless trips across the continent, the days out at Wembley and the moments when we never gave up. It was difficult to know just where to begin; there were so many stories, we were spoilt for choice. So, we turned to those who know him best to gain added insight.

From some of the key figures who worked alongside him within the club through some of Liverpool’s heroes who played under him, to some of his most high-profile competitors, each provide their own personal view as to the special qualities Jürgen possessed.

Mike Gordon explains what it was about Jürgen that made him the perfect fit for Liverpool. James Milner talks about how Jürgen set about transforming the club’s fortunes. Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk outline how Jürgen convinced them to sign for him. Jordan Henderson reveals how Jürgen’s team talk inspired their legendary comeback against Barcelona in 2019. Mauricio Pochettino describes how it felt to face Jürgen’s team as they became Champions of Europe for a sixth time. Roberto Firmino speaks about how Jürgen supported his players into becoming champions of the world for the first time. Sir Alex Ferguson recalls the celebratory call he received from Jürgen Klopp after they became champions of England and ended the 30-year wait. And Pep Lijnders tells us what it was like to work so closely with Jürgen on a daily basis. These are just a few examples of the recollections you will find in a book that places you right in the heart of Jürgen’s incredible Liverpool journey.

With a bit more luck here and there, a few more trophies may have been delivered, but apart from the odd result, there isn’t much we would change about a managerial reign that has had everyone captivated from day one.

All Jürgen ever wanted was the best for Liverpool Football Club and its supporters. He was a manager in tune with the fanbase and they adored him on a scale not witnessed at Anfield since the days of Bill Shankly. Comparisons with the late, great Scotsman are genuine. To the modern generation of Liverpudlians Jürgen was, is and always will be their version of Shankly.

Jürgen walked in the footsteps of so many legendary managers at Anfield and walks away as a legend himself. A true King of the Kop who won almost everything, leaving Liverpool as the only manager to lift trophies in six different competitions.

Despite his success, the self-proclaimed ‘Normal One’ remained true to his roots and fully embraced life in this city. As an adopted Scouser he understood what the people were about, was sympathetic to local causes and would go out of his way to help whenever and wherever he could. Jürgen loved Liverpool and Liverpool loved him. The connection we felt was far from normal. It was special.

His list of endearing qualities is endless. He was humble, he was honest and his passion shone through at every opportunity. The fist pumps, the bear hugs and the huge beaming smile were authentic. What you saw with Jürgen is what you got.

The glasses, the beard and the baseball cap will forever remain iconic symbols of a remarkable time in our lives. Not to mention, of course, the silverware.

Jürgen Klopp will be sorely missed but he’ll never be forgotten. This book is a celebration of his story at Liverpool, one we will never tire of telling.