Is he the greatest leader of our age? We look at the techniques that turned Jürgen Klopp into one of the best-loved managers in football history.
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The 'normal one' who made us believe again
Is he the greatest leader of our age? We look at the techniques that turned Jurgen Klopp into one of the best-loved managers in football history.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening?</h2>
Yesterday afternoon, Liverpool was in mourning. Jurgen Klopp, their beloved managed, is leaving.
Klopp arrived at Liverpool from Germany nine years ago. He won seven major trophies at Anfield, including the Champions League, the Premier League, the Club World Cup and the FA Cup. But he also restored the club's confidence and the city's pride.
"Jurgen Klopp gave Liverpool fans the time of their lives," says one headline. But what makes him so special?
First, he is authentic. Klopp describes himself as the "normal guy from the Black Forest". He is known for his Christian beliefs and his direct approach.
Second, he is passionate. He can inspire the people around him with his bold energy and competitive spirit.
Third, he looks after everyone. "You can see he really cares for people," says Craig Hannan, from the fan website The Anfield Wrap.
Fourth, he loves Liverpool. Not just the club, but the whole city. By learning about the local history and meeting with supporters, he created a strong connection with fans.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more</h2>
Fifth, Klopp is a brand. With his distinctive look - the smile, the beard, the baseball cap and the club tracksuit (never a suit) - he is easy to recognise.
But there are different ways of leading. Some people, such as Donald Trump, rely on a loud and aggressive public persona. Others, like Elon Musk, use controversial opinions and out-of-this world ambitions. Some create a larger-than-life version of their character, while others remain aloof and mysterious.
For Jurgen Klopp, the public and the private versions are the same. So, Liverpool fans have not just lost a manager, but also a friend.
Is he the greatest leader of our age?
Yes! Leadership it not about having lots of money or fame, or followers on social media. It is about caring for the people around you and giving them the confidence to be their best.
No! People have to lead in a style that suits their personality. What matters are the results you get, not the methods you use.
The ‘normal one’ who made us believe again
"Menschenfanger": A German word meaning "person-catcher", describes Jürgen Klopp's ability to make people feel good about themselves.