‘A big difference’: Carragher predicts drop-off at Liverpool once ‘important’ figure leaves

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Jamie Carragher predicts one particular side effect of Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool. An area of the club has been made to look better than it is.

The Mirror published some excerpts from The Anfield Warp’s new documentary, Jurgen, this week. They included some quotes from Jamie Carragher, who believes Jurgen Klopp has made certain areas of the club look better than they actually are.

Principally, he views the recruitment side of things as having benefited from Klopp. Liverpool have built a reputation for nailing virtually every signing in recent years, after all. Carragher, though, thinks that might be because Klopp gets the most out of every player.

“People always say, ‘oh, Liverpool always get their recruitment right’,” said Carragher. “Well, let’s see if Liverpool get their recruitment right when Jürgen Klopp leaves.

“Because there’s a big difference; you can still buy the same players but not be as successful.

“That’s something that I think we’ve all got to be mindful of the day Jurgen Klopp leaves the club, that he is more important than anyone in these players performing well, not whoever has bought the players in.”

Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool

Carragher is undoubtedly right about this. Liverpool have looked sensational in their recruitment over recent years – but it helps when a manager is constantly getting the best out of players.

After all, you can see the opposite happen elsewhere. Players with unquestionably quality head to a club and struggle, only to depart and find their form again. Though admittedly, it’s hard to think of an example that truly reflects Klopp’s impact.

Because Naby Keita may be the only player to arrive under Klopp and not exceed expectations. Certainly, he’s the only major signing and that’s saying something as Keita has been quite good. He’s been excellent at times.

This level of success in the transfer market is unheard of and we do believe Klopp plays the biggest role in that. Once he’s gone, it’s an area where Liverpool will almost certainly look weaker.