The Premier League is now home to one of the most charismatic and enigmatic coaches in the world of football as Liverpool announced Jurgen Klopp as the man to replace Brendan Rodgers. The German was on a sabbatical since leaving Dortmund last season and now seems ready to take the reins of one of England’s biggest clubs historically. Liverpool have a rich tradition but have lagged behind the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, most recently Manchester City even when trying to challenge for the Premier League crown, something that they have not won for over 20 years.
Klopp does have a great record at Dortmund having won two Bundesliga titles and three German cups; he also took Dortmund to the Champions League final a few years ago when they lost to Bayern Munich. The German would e up against some of the best managers in the world and his overall win percentage of 49% might not cut it against some of the best.
Louis van Gaal’s first two jobs were at Ajax and Barcelona, while he was extremely successful at the Dutch side having won three Eredivisie titles, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League, he was just as good at Barcelona having won back-to-back La Liga titles and a UEFA Super Cup. Van Gaal is also known to be extremely strict in his dealings and regime at a club, something that Klopp is known for as well but seems to be more approachable than the Manchester United boss.
The German would also take on another legend in the managerial scene; he would be up against Jose Mourinho who would be remembered for all the great work he has done with Chelsea and also taking Inter Milan to their first every treble in 2009. Jose though came to the limelight when he ran down the pitch at Old Trafford all those years ago for the Blue of Porto as he led them to the Champions League title in 2004. Mourinho has been a league winner in every country he has managed and Klopp will be hopeful he can do something similar at Liverpool.
Klopp’s Dortmund side did seem to enjoy playing against Arsenal and he even had a funny quote about rock and roll football against Arsenal’s quite style. Wenger though is an institution in London and there cannot be a lot of comparisons made, apart from the fact that he jumped from Japan to England in coaching and brought a different philosophy which helped Arsenal play in a more silky, modern and arresting fashion.
Klopp might have taken one of the toughest jobs in the world, trying to bring Liverpool back to their glory days. Many have tried and failed but not many have produced the aura that Klopp has in his few days at the club. He would be taking on some of the brightest minds in the league and it certainly will be something to watch out for in the upcoming days.
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