Jurgen Klopp’s tenure at Liverpool has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, the German manager has led the club to a remarkable collection of trophies, securing every major title except the Europa League. His impact on Liverpool has drawn comparisons to legendary figures such as Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly, with many considering him one of the finest managers in the history of English football.
His decision to step down at the end of the season sent shockwaves through the footballing world. Citing exhaustion as the primary reason for his departure, Klopp has received widespread praise for his achievements. However, not everyone shares the sentiment. Former England and Manchester City defender Danny Mills has questioned Klopp’s legacy, arguing that his record does not place him among the elite managers of the game.
During a debate on talkSPORT, Mills dismissed the notion that Klopp is one of the greats, pointing out that he has only won a single Premier League title during his time at Anfield. He contrasted Klopp’s record with other managers who secured league titles in a shorter period, referencing Claudio Ranieri’s remarkable triumph with Leicester City and the immediate success of various Chelsea managers who lifted the trophy within their first two seasons.
Presenter Hugh Woozencroft countered Mills’ argument, emphasizing the challenge of competing against Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City side. He highlighted the fact that Liverpool, under Klopp, not only won the Premier League in 2019-20 but also became a consistent force in English and European football. The transformation of Liverpool from a struggling side into one of the most feared teams in the world is, according to Woozencroft, a testament to Klopp’s brilliance.
Mills remained skeptical, pointing to Liverpool’s five trophyless seasons during Klopp’s reign. He downplayed the significance of their title win by comparing it to unexpected triumphs from Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City, both of whom had never won the league before their historic seasons. Woozencroft responded by arguing that Chelsea’s success was built on substantial financial backing, while Blackburn’s title-winning campaign was heavily funded by local businessman Jack Walker.
Mills pushed back, insisting that Liverpool have also spent heavily in the transfer market. He cited the club’s ability to generate massive fees for outgoing players, referencing the record-breaking sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for £120 million. He argued that Liverpool’s spending power, combined with their high wage structure, has played a significant role in their success. With players like Mohamed Salah reportedly earning between £400,000 and £500,000 per week and big-money signings such as Thiago Alcântara brought in, Mills believes Liverpool have operated on a financial level that should have yielded even more trophies.
Despite Mills’ criticism, Klopp’s influence on Liverpool is undeniable. Beyond silverware, he has reinvigorated the club with his charismatic leadership, tactical intelligence, and ability to develop world-class talent. His tenure has seen Liverpool reclaim their status as one of Europe’s premier football clubs, regularly competing for the highest honors. While the debate over his legacy will continue, his impact on the club and the game as a whole is unquestionable.
