Klopp’s Premier League 200: What’s Jurgen brought to Liverpool?
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On Sunday afternoon Jurgen Klopp will take charge of Liverpool for the 200th time in the Premier League.
Fittingly, old rivals Manchester United are the opponents, and the two sides sit first and second in the league.
It’s been a remarkable ride since Klopp succeeded Brendan Rodgers in 2015, and as he approaches his Premier League double-century, we’ve taken a little look at the German’s impact on Anfield…
WINS
From his 199 league games in charge of the Reds, Klopp has steered Liverpool to a mighty 127 wins. For those that work in percentages, that’s a remarkable 64% win ratio over a near five-year period.
And in the last two full seasons, that record has stood at a barely believable 62 Premier League wins from 76 matches – a win ratio of 81.5%.
STYLE
And it’s not just the number of the wins, it’s the manner of those victories which has helped shape and define Klopp’s Liverpool legacy.
Arguably no manager or club has utilised the 4-3-3 formation to such devastating effect. Opposition teams have been unable to handle Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson on the flanks, nor can they contain the marauding movement of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino up front.
In between, a midfield engine room of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Fabinho and others has ensured Klopp’s side are usually just too good to keep up with.
The proof? Of Klopp’s 199 games in charge and 127 wins, his Liverpool team have walloped, caressed, guided, strolled, flicked, headed, struck and volleyed in precisely 428 goals.
LEGENDS
With the style of those wins, comes the legends whom the Anfield faithful adore.
Salah has captured the Kop’s hearts in a manner not seen on Merseyside for years, while his partners in crime Mane and Firmino are equally held in high-esteem.
Then there’s the rest. For Virgil van Dijk see Alan Hansen. For Jordan Henderson see Graeme Souness. There is likely more success to come, but already the team Klopp has built will go down in Anfield folklore.
AURA
Put all of that together. The wins. The style. The legends. And you create that mythical masterpiece – an aura.
Such is the development Klopp has led at Liverpool, that they’ve developed a near-invincible, untouchable presence.
Man United had it in the 1990s. Arsenal have had it at times. And so too have Chelsea and Man City. Klopp’s Liverpool team is such a powerhouse in today’s game that they arguably win half their matches before they even step onto the pitch.
TROPHIES
Of course, all of the above would count for little if it didn’t add up to what Liverpool fans crave above all else – winning trophies, and in particular, the Premier League trophy.
It took 30 long, long years, with low points and near-misses along the way, but finally, all of Klopp’s work came together to bring the Reds the coveted league title last season. The icing on an already impressive cake.
Klopp’s achieved remarkable things in his first 200 league games in charge of Liverpool. What can we expect form the next 200?
