This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Jurgen Klopp is already a hero at Liverpool.
He has only been at the club for four years, but the Champions League trophy they picked up last season has put him amongst the pantheon of Reds greats. Should he lead them to a league title for the first time in 30 years at the end of this season, a statue may just be on the way somewhere in the city.
However, according to reports, it could have been all so different. They are reporting that the 52-year-old was close to moving to Manchester United in 2014 and even had three meetings with Ed Woodward. In the end, though, he decided to stay with Borussia Dortmund for one more year. He then moved to Anfield in October 2015 and, as they say, the rest is history.
How different would the footballing landscape be had Klopp gone to Old Trafford? Would the Red Devils be on top of English football, or would Liverpool have still reached the summit without the German in charge?
Whilst he is a wonderful manager, part of his success with the Reds appears to be that he is the perfect fit for them.
Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
There are similarities between Liverpool and Die Schwarzgelben. After all, You’ll Never Walk Alone is an anthem for both teams, and their fans are amongst the most passionate in their respective countries. In terms of importance, read the Yellow Wall for the Kop, and vice-versa.
Klopp built up a fantastic relationship with the fans at BVB, taking them from underdog status behind Bayern Munich to Bundesliga champions. Liverpool have had a similar mentality in recent years, as that league drought shows. Manchester City have been top dogs this decade, with four league titles to their name, yet Klopp is now taking the fight to the Citizens.
They currently top the Premier League table by eight points, and are a further point ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side. The special connection he had with the fans in Dortmund has been replicated by Klopp at Liverpool as well.
Even if they have struggled in recent times, there is no underdog mentality at United. Having been the most successful English club of the Premier League era by some distance – they have eight more titles than second-placed Chelsea, who have managed five – they are not happy with being second-best. Such consistent victories in living memory means that they are nowhere near underdog status. Would Klopp have thrived under those different expectations? It feels unlikely.
Now, we will likely never know the answer. Having written himself into Liverpool legend, there is surely little chance that he would ever move to United. Considering the optimism, positive feeling and results he has brought to Anfield, the club’s supporters will be counting their lucky stars that he chose one more year at the Westfalenstadion five years ago.