Jurgen Klopp is without question universally regarded as one of the most successful managers on the planet. Since 2015 he has steered the ship at Liverpool. During his tenure at Anfield, Klopp has directed the club to numerous trophies including a Premier League title in 2020.
The past couple of seasons have been challenging for Klopp and Liverpool but supporters are confident in their manager’s abilities to return the club to contention in the Premier League and all of Europe. Neil Atkinson (@Knox_Harrington), CEO of The Anfield Wrap, stopped by the pub this week to talk with Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) and Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) about Liverpool and their manager.
Atkinson and his team have produced a 5-part documentary on Jurgen Klopp and along the way, really got a feel for what has made him so successful at every stop in his managerial career.
“One of the things that comes through doing the documentary…is Jurgen channeling his essence as a person the way he thinks about football…about the way he interacts with the people around him.”
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The filmmaker and Liverpool enthusiast continued.
“A very intelligent man whose got a lot of very, very warm human values and that he genuinely does look to get the best out of everybody he’s working with…what the documentary shows is how he’s honed that over many a year.”
The first of the 5-part series is currently available on YouTube. The second and third will be available next week. The fourth and fifth are available at TheAnfieldWrap.com.
“He wants the best for everyone he’s around and he wants to make them the best versions of themselves and that’s pure coaching and that’s what Jurgen is about.”
Klopp and Liverpool at a Crossroads
The trio went on to discuss Liverpool’s identity in 2023 and Atkinson is optimistic but believes the Reds and Klopp are at a crossroads.
“What he’s now got to do is transition his football team in a way that I just don’t think he’s had to do in the past. Its an interesting challenge…Liverpool are clearly in transition…what’s it moving to?...Is it just simply different players or is he looking to change his approach a little bit?...The talk of Liverpool’s demise is greatly overrated…I’m absolutely certain he has a blueprint. I’m absolutely certain he has a way he wants this Liverpool club to play.”
The group agreed qualifying for Europe next campaign is vital.
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As far as this season is concerned, no one questions it’s a two-team race. The question posed to Atkinson was Arsenal or Liverpool?
“The key run for Arsenal is the run now to when they go to Manchester City…If they (City) are within three points of Arsenal when the fixture comes back around then I think Manchester City wins and I think they go on to win the title…If I was going to get involved in this one (as a bettor) it would be on the Manchester City side.”
Everything anyone needs with reference to Liverpool is available at TheAnfieldWrap.com.
Best Bets for Matchweek 28 in the Premier League:
Drew Dinsick believes Chelsea has figured things out and is heading towards a Top 6 finish. Their run gains momentum this weekend at home against Everton.
“Everton is not a good away team whatsoever. I think Chelsea can take this one wire to wire…I think they take them to the woodshed. Chelsea half-time. Chelsea full-time (+115).
Brad Thomas is eyeing Brentford’s home game against Leicester City.
“Brentford plays tough at home…There is a very real possibility Brentford wins this 3-0, but I don’t know that I trust them (Brentford) to take them on the goal line…I’m taking the OVER 2.5 goals (-110).
Enjoy the games and enjoy the sweat.