Why appointing Jurgen Klopp can help FSG prevent old mistakes recurring
Rumours that Brendan Rodgers’ recently vacated post will be filled by Jurgen Klopp have been circulating with a weight that would suggest the charismatic former Borussia Dortmund man looks set to take the helm.
Liverpool fans have been crying out for a move of such ambition for many months. This unrest has stemmed from a growing level of angst caused by the poor football perceived to be a direct result of Brendan Rodgers’ inefficiency. To say this would not be entirely true in my view and to a certain extent, quite unfair.
The Northern Irishman is the latest to fail in the pressure-cooker that is the manager’s job at Liverpool, having to conform to suit many of Fenway Sports Group’s idiosyncrasies.
Firstly, the confusing presence of the transfer committee has long since been a nuisance and one that Rodgers was seemingly content to adapt to. Not being able to have the decisive say on transfers must be immensely frustrating.
While on some occasions it may been beneficial to overrule Rodgers, such as when Mamadou Sakho was signed from Paris Saint-Germain instead of Ashley Williams who the Ulsterman was hugely keen on, it is decidedly odd for a manager to have only partial control over selecting his own playing staff.
The recent rumours of “Klopp for Kop” would suggest that he is incredibly keen on joining Liverpool based on its tradition, heritage and the passion of the fans. The Merseyside club represents the style of institution that Klopp would wish to be associated with.
Last season, when Manuel Pellegrini was struggling to get Manchester City, firing it was reported that Klopp; who had already announced his resignation from Dortmund, could have taken over had the Chilean received the sack.
City is not necessarily a club that would immediately appeal to Klopp given its status as being ‘plastic’. Although he would surely consider taking the job, he would want full control over the ins and outs of the club and would certainly not be prepared to be submissive to a transfer committee.
During his time at Dortmund he operated in partnership with sporting director; Michael Zorc, who orchestrated all negotiations. Under FSG there has been very little impetus on this rich history and a return to it should be made in a prompt manner.
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Since FSG took over from Hicks and Gillet in 2010, there has been a deep sense of inadequacy and the feeling that getting across the line is good enough. While the Liverpool of the 80’s is a universe away from the present team, it should be said that a culture of winning needs to be reinstated at Anfield.
Very few players at the club are used to this victorious feeling. Jurgen Klopp will bring in the famed German efficiency that is so often praised. In three consecutive seasons at Dortmund, his side scored 80 or more goals in the league. His win percentage at the German club is 56% which is mightily impressive. In comparison, the rate at which Rodgers achieved all three points at Liverpool stood at 50% and the beloved Rafa Benitez can boast only a 56% win rate.
Klopp’s style of play is very much similar to Rodgers with the German’s approach more heavily reliant on the stamina and pace required to survive the high pressing philosophy that his football is founded upon.
Many of the goals scored by Marco Reus, Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were following high pressure on defenders. This attitude is called ‘gegenpressing’ and it can be expected to feature a great deal in Liverpool’s make-up should the German be offered the job and deem it appropriate.
What may not occur to those residing in Liverpool or those invested in the fortunes of the city’s two most successful football clubs is that they run the risk of becoming irreparably irrelevant. Liverpool is one of the most decorated English football clubs boasting 60 major honours – only two less than Manchester United.
Despite such a vivid and powerful history, there is the possibility that with the lack of success in recent years, Liverpool may lose all credibility if the barren times continue. FSG need to ensure that this streak of disappointment is halted as this juncture by bringing in Jurgen Klopp.
Brendan Rodgers needs to be Fenway Sports Group’s last mistake and all previous wrongs can be corrected with the appointment of Jurgen Klopp. The passion and energy he will bring to Liverpool can see a gradual return to the peak of English and potentially European football.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Abay Otar
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