On this day 8th October 2015, Liverpool announced the appointment of new manager, Jurgen Klopp, after the dismissal of Brendan Rodgers.
It was so very apparent that Liverpool’s next manager after Rodgers needed to be a well established, top coach with a proven, successful background. Such managers are hard to find however. They are, understandably so, quite thin on the ground. There were some interesting names were offered forward however. For instance, that well known, successful and hugely respected manager, Carlo Ancellotti. That was the standard of manager Liverpool were aiming for. And the standard they needed.
On This Day 8th October 2015
Fortunately, in that elite category was another successful manager with an excellent track record. And, very importantly, he was available. Who was he? He was of course the enigmatic, charismatic German, Jurgen Klopp. Klopp’s record at his previous club, Borussia Dortmund was brilliant when you consider what he was up against in the form of Bayern Munich. He took over Dortmund in 2008 and left at the end of the 2014/15 season.
In the seven seasons he was in charge, Klopp managed Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles. They were also runners up twice. In addition, they won two German Cup Finals and were also runners up twice. The 2012/13 season saw Dortmund come close to beating arch rivals Bayern Munich in the Champions League Final. Ultimately however they ended up as 2-1 losers.
It is without doubt Klopp had the pedigree and the stature to become Liverpool’s next manager. But would he come? The answer to that came on this day 8th October 2015 when Klopp was appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ successor. In his first interview as Liverpool manager he referred to himself as the “Normal One”. Clearly a humorous jibe at the self appointed, “Special One” – Jose Mourinho.
Klopp’s “Normal One” Interview
It was clear that Liverpool needed another rebuild. As the 2015/16 season had already started, Klopp’s first real big test was to be the 2016/17 season. Although he did guide Liverpool to two Cup Finals in 2015/16. Losing both however, 2-1 to Manchester City in the League Cup Final and 3-1 to Sevilla in the Europa League Cup Final.
The 2016/17 season saw a big improvement in Liverpool’s League form as they ultimately qualified for the Champions League qualifying round by finishing 4th in the Premier League. The qualifying game against Hoffenheim was successfully negotiated on a 5-3 aggregate score, thereby placing Liverpool in the Champions League Group stages.
Jurgen Klopp’s Funny Moments
Jurgen Klopp has openly shown his passion and enthusiasm for his role as Liverpool manager. Here is a short video capturing some of his best moments….
Happy Second Anniversary Jurgen. Here’s hoping you are here for many more anniversaries.