Aoba Tanaka 
A smiling, bespectacled Jurgen Klopp sits down to meet the British media for the first time as Liverpool’s new manager. The team he is taking over has had a frustrating start to the season, offering little hope of ending their long wait for the title. Yet, Klopp is not one to make grand promises. “I am the normal one,” he famously proclaims, adding, “It is not so important what people think when you come in. It is much more important what people think when you leave.”
Eight-and-a-half transformative years later, Klopp has done his final fist pumps in front of the Kop, leaving behind a legacy that has forever changed Liverpool.
Trophies and Triumphs
Judging Jurgen Klopp purely on silverware, his haul is notable. Under his stewardship, Liverpool secured one Premier League title, one Champions League crown, an FA Cup, two EFL Cups, the Community Shield, a UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup. In the title-winning season of 2019-20, his Liverpool side became the fastest team to reach 30 wins and were within one victory of breaking the 100-point mark.
However, Klopp’s trophy cabinet could have been fuller. Heartbreaking Champions League final defeats by Real Madrid in 2017-18 and 2021-22, coupled with near-misses in the Premier League, where Liverpool topped 90 points twice and still finished second, underscored the thin margins in elite football.
Turning Doubters into Believers
At his inaugural press conference, Klopp spoke of turning “doubters into believers.” This mantra defined his reign, bringing faith and pride back to Reds fans. His relentless drive for perfection, his ability to connect with players and supporters, and his infectious enthusiasm turned Liverpool into a formidable force.
Not Without Flaws
Klopp’s tenure was not without its challenges. After a historic title-winning season, Liverpool struggled to defend their crown in 2020-21, plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Last season, they finished a disappointing fifth, and in the 2021-22 season, despite competing on four fronts until the very end, they missed out on both the Premier League and Champions League titles, although they did secure two domestic cups.
This season, Liverpool’s effort yielded only an EFL Cup, as they ran out of steam at a critical juncture. Klopp allowed Liverpool fans to dream again, but he could not turn every dream into reality.
Klopp vs. Other Managers
In many ways, Klopp was unfortunate to have managed Liverpool during the same period as Pep Guardiola. Less than 12 months after Klopp’s arrival, Guardiola joined the Premier League and proved to be a consistent rival. Despite this, Klopp’s achievements place him among the elite. Only Guardiola, the irrepressible Sir Alex Ferguson, and Antonio Conte boast a better win ratio in the Premier League.
A Legacy of Transformation
Jurgen Klopp’s time at Liverpool will be remembered as an era of transformation. He took a team struggling for direction and turned them into one of the most formidable sides in Europe. His passion, charisma, and tactical brilliance restored Liverpool’s status as a footballing powerhouse and gave fans memories to cherish for a lifetime. As Klopp exits stage right, his impact on Liverpool and the broader footballing world remains indelible.
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