According to Jürgen Klopp, now is the ideal time for a new manager to lead Liverpool, and the only difficult task to surpass will be following in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The top two managers in the current Premier League era will face off against each other on Sunday, in a game with major implications on the outcome of the championship.
Liverpool’s strong performance in multiple competitions this season has reignited their rivalry with City, who are currently one point behind them in the league. This has also made a strong case for Klopp’s departure to be at the wrong time. However, Klopp disagrees and believes that the team and fans he will leave behind present an ideal chance for his successor to win more trophies.
Klopp responded by saying, “Replacing either me or Guardiola? That is not impossible. I can see where that idea comes from, but everyone at this club understands that it is unique. The individuals here are unique. The club gave Bill Shankly a chance, and what followed him, and all of them were greater than us. Eventually, people will realize that this has been an incredible time and we have all loved every moment of it.”
“What an experience. I am completely certain that their experience has taught them that when we have trust and determination, anything is achievable. This team will certainly draw top-notch managers. The upcoming manager may implement a different style of play, but they will undoubtedly receive support from this devoted group of fans. I believe I joined at the perfect time as things were starting to falter, and perhaps I was the one to remind everyone of the significance of it all.”
“This club is unique, not because of its facilities – as other clubs also have impressive stadiums – but because of its people. It’s ultimately the individuals involved that make this club special. In my opinion, now is the ideal time for a new manager to take over, rather than someone who was unsuccessful in winning everything and left gaps. To join City after Pep Guardiola, one would have to become champion for 10 consecutive years to match his achievements.”
Klopp acknowledges that the rivalry between him and Guardiola has motivated their teams to achieve unprecedented success, especially in terms of points. He also states that although his team narrowly missed out on two titles to City, it is not a lingering disappointment.
The manager of Liverpool stated that he acknowledges the significance of the competition between the teams. He recognizes that there have been both fortunate and unfortunate moments, but he is content with that. He also acknowledges that in some years, with just one point difference, the outcome could have been altered. However, this does not lessen the happiness of the success achieved during that particular time.
The perspective of those outside is clear: either you win or you don’t in competitions like the Premier League and Champions League. There are no runner-up awards. While reaching four Champions League finals is impressive, losing three of them will likely be the focus from the outside. However, for me, it holds no weight. It won’t define my legacy if my gravestone reads “lost three Champions League finals.” Such things hold no significance to me.
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I do not view myself as a failure simply because I have lost in finals, nor do I see myself as a success because I have won one. My mindset is to strive for excellence in all circumstances. Although it is remarkable to have fought hard and accumulated 97 points without winning the league, it was also a good challenge. It would have been more enjoyable if we had won it more frequently, but my perspective does not alter based on whether or not there is a trophy. The boys’ achievements were exceptional and it is not something that will occur frequently.
Klopp and Guardiola have a relationship based on mutual respect, although the demands of their jobs make it difficult for them to form a close friendship. During a time of hardship, they reached out to each other for support and guidance. The two managers both experienced the loss of their mothers during the pandemic and Guardiola even offered his condolences after Klopp’s sudden departure. While they did have a conversation, the details remain private.
Source: theguardian.com
