This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On March 7, 2020, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrated a crucial Premier League win at Anfield, marking a turning point in the team's fortunes. However, Klopp's success is not just about his charismatic personality, but also about his unique approach to management.
When Klopp took over Liverpool in 2015, the team was struggling to regain its former glory. The club had not won a league title since 1990, and the 2014 season had ended in disappointment under Brendan Rodgers. Klopp's instant impact was to inject confidence, belief, and enthusiasm into the team.
“Because it felt a little bit like a depression here, I think it made sense to be extremely lively,” Klopp said in a recent interview, reflecting on his early months in charge. His back-slapping, laughter, and positive thinking won over the fans, but behind the scenes, he was putting in place a more nuanced approach to management.
Klopp's style combines a traditionally English focus on the manager as leader and frontman with German coaching's attention to detail. He has also adopted a management style more akin to American football, where delegation and specialization are key. As he explained, “Don't act like you know everything and be ready to admit that. It's not a real philosophy, it's just my way of life.”
At Liverpool, Klopp has surrounded himself with strong, knowledgeable individuals who can handle different aspects of the team. He has delegated tasks to his staff, including the recruitment department, which is made up of specialists in talent-identification. When it comes to transfers, Klopp works closely with sporting director Michael Edwards, a partnership that has helped build key pieces in the title-winning side.
“His knowledge of when to give information and when not to, of what to give and what not to, is just at a different level,” said Liverpool analyst Mark Leyland. Klopp's ability to present complex information in a concise and effective manner has been a key factor in the team's success.
Despite his relaxed and caring approach, Klopp is also a demanding leader. As he put it, “It's both — friend and drill sergeant.” This winning combination has been instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League triumph, and Klopp's approach to leadership continues to inspire and influence the football world.
