With Liverpool’s season simultaneously brilliant and underwhelming we take a look at how Klopp’s “punk rock” football will take hold at Anfield next season.
An eighth place finish in the Barclays Premier league and two defeats in as many finals. It hasn’t been a hugely successful season for Liverpool FC as England’s most successful club is going through yet another period of transition.
If transition is to be successful it must not only be steady but also well planned and prepared for.
Some people fear change. Change is viewed by traditionalists as a break from the norm, a step into the darkness. The great unknown.
Anfield has witnessed many changes over the years, the most recent and perhaps most significant in the clubs recent history coming in October 2015. One of Europe’s most sought after coaches, the charismatic Jürgen Klopp was appointed to steer the ship.
The changes that Klopp brought in during his short period in charge of Liverpool have reverberated around the Premier League with Klopp’s distinctive pressing game evident in some of the clubs top performances this season, most notably when the Reds took Man City apart at the Etihad or when they added to Jose’s woes at Stamford Bridge, two stadiums that under past managers the Reds had rolled over and submitted.
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For every Man City away, however, there was a Watford away. For every Chelsea away there was a Sunderland at home. Klopp’s main objective in the future will be to bring a consistency to Liverpool that will see performances to match any team in England and Europe.
Once Klopp has assembled his own squad and dipped into the transfer market then it will be the time to judge him. The change is already taking place. Joel Matip arriving on a free transfer and goal-keeper Loris Karius from FC Mainz, another of Klopp’s former clubs, and no doubt a few other from his native Germany. Up until now we’ve just enjoyed the ride.
The Liverpool skyline is also changing with the towering Main Stand adding to the cityscape.
The redevelopment will see the Anfield capacity increase to 54,000 and bring with that 2,000 new season tickets and an increase in match day hospitality and match day revenue. A move that the club had to make to keep up with the increasing spending muscle of the big boys, plus West Ham and Spurs who have joined the party.
The future under Jürgen Klopp for Liverpool FC is looking bright. He was brought in at the right time and it appears as though the appointment was meant to be.
The similarities between Klopp and the Liverpool supporters are there. He is one of Europe’s brightest coaches, he is manager of Liverpool and perhaps more importantly, he is one of the people. There is something about him that was there with past Titans, Shankly and Paisley. The supporters are convinced Klopp is the man who will build upon the foundations that these legends laid.
Next season he will thrive under the pressure of locking horns with Guardiola at Man City, Conte at Chelsea and an ever increasing probability of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.
Whatever is in store for Liverpool, it won’t be boring.
Klopp’s task of firing the Reds from oblivion back to the European Elite may have started in October but only now we shall truly see it begin.
Punk rock football under Jürgen Klopp is due to begin in August. Until now he’s just been tuning the band.
Follow @LFC_19YearWait on Twitter to hear some more of his views on Liverpool Football Club.
Featured Image – Liverpoolfc.com