Could a football manager be prime minister? Tony Blair’s former spokesman Alastair Campbell argues that Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp has the star qualities our leaders need. Jürgen Klopp grins, hugging his players. Liverpool has won the FA Cup. It is one step closer to a historic QuadrupleNo Premier League team has ever won all four major trophies in a single season.. Players and pundits agree: Klopp is the key to their success.
'Klopp for PM!' says former No 10 advisor
Jurgen Klopp grins, hugging his players. Liverpool has won the FA Cup. It is one step closer to a historic QuadrupleNo Premier League team has ever won all four major trophies in a single season.. Players and pundits agree: Klopp is the key to their success.
So where next for the boy from the Black ForestJurgen Klopp grew up in the small town of Glatten in the mountainous wooded area of south-west Germany.? Some think it should be politics. One of them is Tony Blair's old adviser, Alistair Campbell: "Our country needs you!"
The former spin doctorAs Tony Blair's Director of Communications between 1997 and 2003, Campbell was responsible for managing how the media represented government policy. says Klopp is a "master" of strategy, leadership and teamwork. If only politicians shared Klopp's passion and "ability to bring so much joy and pride to a community".
Since he arrived at Anfield in 2016, Klopp has transformed the Reds. Under his stewardship, the club ended a nine-year trophy drought, winning six titles.
Should Klopp swap locker room for debating chamber? Do footballers make good politicians?
Sports psychologists Matthew Smith and Sean Figgins say Klopp displays five essential leadership skills:
He creates a clear vision and identity. He wants the team to play "very emotional, very fast and very strong". This inspires the players.
He represents that identity in his behaviour. His touch-line celebrations are contagious. "I get a little bit carried away," admits Klopp.
He trusts his team. In return, they believe in him. "I trust him blindly," says Sadio ManeThe Senegalese footballer has scored 89 goals for Liverpool..
He builds strong relationships with his players. He cares about both the "person" and the "footballer," says Georginio WijnaldumThe dutch footballer played for Liverpool between 2016-2021..
He promises big and delivers. He arrived at Liverpool talking of silverware within four years. Now the trophy cupboard is overflowing.
But politics is not football, it is three-dimensional chessRaumschach (German for space chess) was invented in 1907. A version of it appears in episodes of Star Trek. It is often used as a metaphor for complex political strategy.. You need to understand history, economics, international affairs and public relations.
Winston Churchill said: "politics is not a game". But critics of Alistair Campbell say he helped turn government into a game of spin, fake news and political point-scoring. Should we listen to what he has to say about Jurgen Klopp?
Around two-thirds of Boris Johnson's cabinet are privately educated. Modern football also began in English public schoolsFee-charging schools in England and Wales, associated with the ruling class. In early versions of football at Eton and Harrow, passing the ball was considered unmanly and called "sneaking"., but the rules were different.
Footballers have attempted political careers. Romario scored 780 goals in his career and is now the Senator for Rio de Janeiro.
Alistair Campbell says Klopp reminds us "we have good leaders in this country even if they are not in the government."
Could a football manager be prime minister?
Yes: Klopp would lead a world-class government. A successful manager must think on their feet. They have to be flexible and decisive, making key substitutions and tactical changes under intense pressure.
No: A football manager focuses on winning the next game. The prime minister must master the art of compromise and worry about everything from the price of milk to climate change and the war in Ukraine.
Or... Football and politics are different worlds, but politicians can still learn from Klopp. Perhaps he could invite them to Anfield to learn teamwork and how to rebuild trust in politics?
Keywords
Quadruple - No Premier League team has ever won all four major trophies in a single season.
Black Forest - Jurgen Klopp grew up in the small town of Glatten in the mountainous wooded area of south-west Germany.
Spin doctor - As Tony Blair's Director of Communications between 1997 and 2003, Campbell was responsible for managing how the media represented government policy.
Sadio Mane - The Senegalese footballer has scored 89 goals for Liverpool.
Georginio Wijnaldum - The dutch footballer played for Liverpool between 2016-2021.
Three-dimensional chess - Raumschach (German for space chess) was invented in 1907. A version of it appears in episodes of Star Trek. It is often used as a metaphor for complex political strategy.
Public schools - Fee-charging schools in England and Wales, associated with the ruling class. In early versions of football at Eton and Harrow, passing the ball was considered unmanly and called "sneaking".
‘Klopp for PM!’ says former No 10 advisor
Glossary
Quadruple - No Premier League team has ever won all four major trophies in a single season.
Black Forest - Jürgen Klopp grew up in the small town of Glatten in the mountainous wooded area of south-west Germany.
Spin doctor - As Tony Blair's Director of Communications between 1997 and 2003, Campbell was responsible for managing how the media represented government policy.
Sadio Mané - The Senegalese footballer has scored 89 goals for Liverpool.
Georginio Wijnaldum - The dutch footballer played for Liverpool between 2016-2021.
Three-dimensional chess - Raumschach (German for space chess) was invented in 1907. A version of it appears in episodes of Star Trek. It is often used as a metaphor for complex political strategy.
Public schools - Fee-charging schools in England and Wales, associated with the ruling class. In early versions of football at Eton and Harrow, passing the ball was considered unmanly and called "sneaking".