By Basah Mohammed
Jurgen Klopp; the name alone evokes a range of emotions for any football fan, from admiration to anxiety, especially if your team is the one facing his. As a Barcelona fan, my journey with Klopp has been a rollercoaster, punctuated by a humbling defeat that still stings. However, through it all, my respect and love for his football philosophy and charismatic personality have only grown stronger. This tribute is a personal reflection on the man who has not only transformed Liverpool but also left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
When Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015, I watched with intrigue. His success at Borussia Dortmund was well-known, and his infectious enthusiasm was impossible to ignore. Klopp had a knack for captivating people, as highlighted by marketing executive Schneck: “When somebody in marketing told Klopp that a few corporate customers had given up their VIP seats, he said he would call them to see if they changed their mind. He went into the office, picked up the phone and said: ‘Schönen guten Tag, hier ist Jürgen Klopp. I am the new coach of Borussia Dortmund. I’ve been told you want to cancel your tickets. Don’t you think you should reconsider?’ Some of them were so gobsmacked, they said: ‘Okay, we’ll think it over.’ He reeled them back in. Can you imagine any other coach doing that? That was Jürgen. He stole everybody’s hearts.” This was Klopp: unorthodox, personable, and fiercely passionate.
The 2019 Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Liverpool is a match I will never forget. As a Barca fan, the 3-0 first-leg victory at Camp Nou felt like a comfortable cushion. But Klopp’s Liverpool had other plans. The return leg at Anfield was a masterclass in resilience and tactical brilliance. The 4-0 defeat was not just a scoreline; it was a testament to Klopp’s ability to inspire his team to achieve the seemingly impossible. It was painful, yet undeniably impressive. As Ilkay Gündogan, Klopp’s former player, said, “I know it might sound funny but if I’m being completely honest, I thought he deserved it. Even though we got knocked out and were really hurt, I was pleased for him.”
Klopp’s football is a thrilling spectacle of high-pressing, relentless attacking, and unyielding teamwork. His philosophy, rooted in his tactical education under Mainz coach Wolfgang Frank, emphasizes structure and patterns. “Klopp’s footballing higher education was provided by Mainz coach Wolfgang Frank. His first spell at the Bruchweg (1995–1997) was tantamount to a tactical awakening for Klopp. He suddenly understood that a game could be seen in structural terms, as a series of patterns that a well-drilled team could impose on the other side,” writes Raphael Honigstein. Watching Liverpool under Klopp is a joy, even as an opposing fan, because it encapsulates the essence of the beautiful game: passion, strategy, and sheer will to win.
Under Klopp, Liverpool has been transformed from a struggling giant into a footballing powerhouse. Premier League champions, Champions League winners, and a host of other trophies are a testament to his impact. More than the titles, it’s the spirit he instilled in the team that stands out. Klopp’s ability to inspire was evident early on, as seen during his time at Mainz: “We feel down but now we have to stand up. Only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat,” he would rally. His leadership is not about instilling fear but about inspiring belief and camaraderie.
Klopp’s charisma is legendary. He connects with people on a human level, as former player Sven Bender noted: “He didn’t pretend to be ascetic, he had the odd beer, he was unashamedly human–unlike many coaches who try to hide anything others could perceive as a weakness. It was that human side of his, above everything else, that got the whole club going.” This human touch, combined with his tactical acumen, makes him a unique figure in modern football. His former players, like Sven Bender and Ilkay Gündogan, maintain strong emotional bonds with him, underscoring his lasting impact.
Klopp’s legacy extends beyond the trophies and records. He has redefined what it means to be a football manager in the modern era. His approach to leadership, focusing on positivity and emotional connection, sets him apart. As Klopp himself puts it, “I want people around me to do well. That’s what life is about. Okay, we play football, there’s rough language and sometimes more. But I don’t have to step on people’s toes. I don’t have to threaten punishment to get them to perform. I have to show players targets in a way that they automatically want to achieve them. That’s what I believe in.”
Despite the heartbreak his Liverpool inflicted on Barcelona, my admiration for Klopp remains unwavering. His football is a joy to watch, and his personality transcends club rivalries. Klopp’s philosophy, his ability to uplift and inspire, and his relentless pursuit of excellence make him a figure worthy of respect and love from any football fan. I wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors, whether in football or beyond.
Jurgen Klopp has not only transformed Liverpool but also left an indelible mark on the world of football. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and human connection. As a Barcelona fan, I’ve felt the sting of his success, but more importantly, I’ve witnessed the beauty of his footballing philosophy. Thank you, Jurgen Klopp, for your contributions to the beautiful game. You have truly stolen our hearts.
