'One In A Million' Klopp Makes Liverpool A European Giant Again
Zeeshan Mehtab Published May 26, 2022 | 03:13 PM
"We are not here by any kind of magic," said Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool's third appearance in a Champions League final in five years. "We deserve this."
Liverpool, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2022 ) :"We are not here by any kind of magic," said Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool's third appearance in a Champions League final in five years. "We deserve this." Real Madrid stand in the Reds' way at the Stade de France on Saturday, just as they did four years ago in the first of Liverpool's European Cup finals under their German guru.
The 3-1 defeat that night in Kyiv as a result of two goalkeeping errors from Loris Karius, having lost star man Mohamed Salah early on to a dislocated shoulder, might have broken other sides.
"This was a harsh night for us," Klopp reflected on Wednesday.
Instead, a year later, the Reds were back on the biggest stage to right those wrongs by beating Tottenham in Madrid to lift a sixth European Cup.
Since then Klopp has also ended Liverpool's 30-year wait to win a league title, in 2020.
"If I sit here in four years, I am pretty confident we will have one title," Klopp said when he first arrived as Liverpool manager. Seven years on, they are on the verge of winning three trophies in one season -- and it could have been four.
Saturday's final will be their 63rd game of the campaign, having reached the final of every competition.
The League Cup and FA Cup are already back in the Anfield trophy room, but Manchester City held off Liverpool's charge since the turn of the year to win a thrilling Premier League title race on Sunday.
"Without the Champions League it would be a great season. With the Champions League it would be a fantastic season," Klopp said.
- 'Special man ' - Credit for Liverpool's sustained success has been shared around.
The club's outgoing sporting director, Michael Edwards, has been lauded for near-faultless recruitment in the transfer market.
Klopp has welcomed in a series of experts from throw-in coaches to neuroscientists to help his players take penalties in pursuit of marginal gains.
But it is his mix of tactical acumen, man-management and cult of personality that has transformed a sleeping giant struggling just to qualify for the Champions League back into a European superpower.
"The players deserve unbelievable credit, but it is all down to that man. Liverpool have a very, very special man at the top of their club," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.
"What he has created right through this club is the standard that he expects, that spirit, that mentality. He is just an absolute revelation." Klopp has six major honours to his name as Liverpool boss.
That tally would be much higher had he not been up against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, backed by the state wealth of Abu Dhabi.
Liverpool have posted three of the highest nine points tallies in Premier League history in the past four years for the reward of just one title as City have twice edged them by a solitary point.
The Reds' lesser resources mean Klopp has needed to drain every ounce of effort from his squad just to keep up.
"After the Champions League final (in Madrid), I said it wouldn't be possible to win it without the manager," said Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
"I felt from day one he came in the door he changed everything and we have all followed him." Luckily for the Liverpool support there is much more to come.
Against prior expectation, Klopp extended his contract to 2026 last month, which would take his stay at Anfield beyond a decade.
Aston Villa manager and former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has long been tipped as a possible successor.
But even he urged the Liverpool support to enjoy the ride under Klopp as long as it lasts.
"Liverpool fans should enjoy Jurgen Klopp," said Gerrard. "I think he's one in a million -- he's that good."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Rawalpindi woman gives birth to six babies
Kenya Army Chief Francis Ogola among nine others who died in Helicopter crash
Saudi FM’s visit positive, constructive one: FO
Hania enjoys vacations in London
IMF Officials assure support to Pakistan’s economy
Naqvi directs foolproof measures for protection of Chinese nationals
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence calls on army chief
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 April 2024
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
More Stories From Sports
-
'All-or-nothing' Norris takes sprint pole in rain chaos at Chinese GP
28 minutes ago -
PM Youth Talent Hunt girls & boys table tennis championship begins
58 minutes ago -
O'Sullivan eyes eighth snooker world title amid more retirement talk
58 minutes ago -
Nagelsmann to remain Germany national football coach till 2026
2 hours ago -
Pakistan, New Zealand teams not to train on Friday
3 hours ago -
Blind Cricket Trophy from April 20
3 hours ago
-
National Women's Football C’ship postponed
3 hours ago -
Beijing half marathon runners stripped of medals after controversial finish
3 hours ago -
PSA World Tour Finals in June
4 hours ago -
2024 Davis Cup Finals Group Stage schedule confirmed
4 hours ago -
O'Sullivan eyes eighth snooker world title amid more retirement talk
9 hours ago -
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
11 hours ago