Jurgen Klopp is rightly regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever managers and one of the most influential in Premier League history.
Klopp is the new Head of Soccer at Red Bull spent nine incredible years on Merseyside as the German led the Reds to their first league title in 30 years as well as their sixth UEFA Champions League trophy, with the German manager also winning numerous domestic titles.
With Liverpool now thriving under Arne Slot, Klopp left the Anfield side in a great position after leaving the club this summer, with the German coach now taking a back seat from management after 23 years on the touchline.
And former Liverpool coach Neil Critchley has now shared how he wants to emulate Klopp at his new job.
Neil Critchley shares Jurgen Klopp inspiration after becoming Hearts manager
Speaking to the media during his unveiling as the new manager of Hearts, Critchley shared how he will aspire to be like Klopp in his new role in Scotland, with the 45-year-old coach eager to get started with his new side.
Critchley said at the press conference: “The players were a good group of people, humble, hardworking, and you can’t play for Jurgen Klopp in one of his teams if you don’t have certain characteristics.
“That’s what I want to try and bring and replicate here. His advice was to be yourself. I think one of his greatest strengths is his authenticity, what you see is what you get. He just had a way of speaking to people and dealing with people which I thought was fantastic.
“That’s why he created an environment that was unique and very special. I think they got the success, not just because of the quality of the players that were there, but also because of the human aspect. I thought there was no better than him in producing that.”
How big was Neil Critchley’s impact Liverpool?
Leaving Merseyside four years ago to take on the Blackpool job, Liverpool fans were gutted when Critchley left at the time as the English coach established himself as a perfect manager for the U-23s.
Critchley took charge of Liverpool in the FA Cup in 2020 due to Klopp taking the senior team on a winter break, yet even with an academy side, the Reds still managed a 1-0 win away to EFL side Shrewsbury Town.
With Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones also thriving for Critchley during the midfielder’s time with the U-23s, the new Hearts manager has certainly made a big impact with the Reds in recent years, and fans will be hopeful that the English coach can do a job in Scotland this season with his new team.
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