Yesterday afternoon, Liverpool was in mourning. Anfield Stadium, home to the city's famous football club, was filled with weeping spectators. They were not grieving the result, but a much deeper loss: Jurgen Klopp, their beloved manager, was leaving.

Klopp arrived at Liverpool from Germany nine years ago. He has been one of the most important managers in the club's history. He not only oversaw Liverpool winning seven major trophies at Anfield, including the Champions League, the Premier League, the Club World Cup and the FA Cup. 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.¹ "I feel he is a Scouser," says another.² But what makes this manager so special?

First, he is authentic. Klopp describes himself as the "normal guy from the Black Forest".³ He is known for his Christian beliefs, his left-leaning politics and his direct approach in interviews. What you see is what you get.

Second, he is passionate. He can inspire the people around him with his "bold and bright"⁴ energy. Sometimes that passion spills over - he has been fined for arguing with officials - but nobody thinks that he is a bully. "That competitive spirit he's got is part and parcel of being in the job,"⁵ says a rival manager.

Third, he looks after everyone he manages. "You can see he really cares for people first and foremost,"⁶ says Craig Hannan, from the fan website The Anfield Wrap. Because his team feels professionally and emotionally supported, they give him their all on the pitch.

Fourth, he loves Liverpool. Not just the club, but the entire city. By learning about the local history, meeting with many supporters, and becoming a regular at the pubs and restaurants in his neighbourhood, he has created a strong connection with fans. In 2022, he was recognised with a freedom of the city award - the second foreign national after Nelson Mandela to receive this honour.

Fifth, and finally, Klopp is a brand. Known for his distinctive look: the smile, the beard, the baseball cap and the club tracksuit (never a suit), he is easy to recognise. Broadcasters want his commentary, brands want his endorsement. All this helps to build his reputation and authority.

Sincerity, passion, care, connection, and a recognisable brand. Is this the secret to being a good leader?

Well, there are different ways of leading. Some people rely on a loud and aggressive public persona - think Donald Trump, for example - while others, such as Elon Musk, use controversial opinions and out-of-this world ambitions. Some might create a larger-than-life version of their character to keep us entertained, while others remain aloof and mysterious.

For Jurgen Klopp, the public and the private versions are the same. As a result, people trust him and even feel like they know him. So Liverpool fans have not just lost a manager. They have also lost a friend.

Is he the greatest leader of our age?

Yes: Leadership it not about having lots of money, fame or followers on social media. It is about caring for the people around you and giving them the confidence to perform at their best.

No: People have to lead in a style that suits their personality. For some that means being themselves, for others that means creating a persona. What matters are the results you get, not the methods you use.

Or... There are many different ways of being a leader, but not every leader is loved by the people who follow them. To do that you have to put other people first - just as Jurgen Klopp does.