KLOPP DOESN’T SIGN SUPERSTARS ..HE MAKES THEM
Kop legend Jamie Carragher on how all players improve under Jurgen
FOR all the qualities that constitute the genius of Jurgen Klopp, Jamie Carragher reckons one elevates him to the top of his profession.
“Liverpool aren’t buying superstars, they’re making superstars,” said Carragher. “Klopp doesn’t get enough credit for that.”
If that sounds like typical TV hype from the Liverpool defender turned Sky pundit in the build-up to Sunday’s showdown with Manchester United then consider these remarkable statistics from Forbes.
The highly-respected American business magazine produces a hugely-anticipated annual review of world football finances. In the season before the German took over at Anfield, they calculated Liverpool’s squad was worth £360million.
Fast forward to their latest statistics in 2019, and the figure is a staggering £1.83billion. And Klopp has done that with a net spend of around £80m-£90m.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are obvious examples of him taking quality players and turning them into world class icons. Salah cost below £38m, and is conservatively valued in the £150-200m bracket. Mane cost even less, and would also be rated close to that level in today’s market.”
Carragher though, says the talent to develop players and deliver their potential is reflected in just about every Klopp signing since he arrived.
“Once you’ve got that player, you’ve got to improve him. That’s where Klopp doesn’t get near enough credit as a coach,” he explained. “It is not that Liverpool are buying players with a special ability that nobody else can see.”
What they are doing, is buying players with potential, he says, and then turning them into the best in the world.
Andy Robertson is a perfect example, a player who came from Hull for a measly £8m and who is now one of the best
ALISSON has revealed how Liverpool’s consistency and mental resolve have taken them to within touching distance of the title.
The Reds’ Brazilian keeper said: “We are a team that has left-backs around. Carragher agrees, adding: “Robertson from Hull? They got relegated, How much did Liverpool pay for him?
“Wijnaldum got relegated,
Marko Grujic
Steven Caulker
Kamil Grabara
Sadio Mane
Loris Karius
Joel Matip
Ragnar Klavan
Alex Manninger
Georginio Wijnaldum Mohamed Salah
Dominic Solanke
Andy Robertson
Alex Oxlade-chamberlain Virgil van Dijk
Naby Keita
Fabinho
Xherdan Shaqiri
Alisson
Sepp van den Berg Harvey Elliott
Adrian
Andy Lonergan
Takumi Minamino
Red Star Belgrade QPR
Ruch Chorzow Southampton Mainz 05
Schalke
Augsburg Augsburg Newcastle
Roma
Chelsea
Hull City
Arsenal Southampton
Red Bull Leipzig AS Monaco
Stoke City
Roma
PEC Zwolle Fulham
West Ham Middlesbrough Red Bull Salzburg been together for a long time and getting better each season, taking it up a level.
“I think the difference from last season is defensive and offensive consistency, and a consistent mentality.
“Our team has a winning mindset. We always think
had been at Chelsea, Mane was in the Premier League for a couple of years with Southampton.”
Klopp (below) also took Trent Alexander-arnold from £5,100,000 On Loan £250,000 £34,000,000 £4,700,000 Free £4,200,000 Free £25,000,000 £37,800,000 £4,000,000 £8,000,000 £35,000,000 £75,000,000 £52,750,000 £43,700,000 £13,750,000 £60,000,000 £1,300,000 Tribunal
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Jan 6, 2016 Jan 12, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Jun 28, 2016 Jul 1, 2016
Jul 1, 2016
Jul 1, 2016
Jul 1, 2016
Jul 22, 2016 Jun 22, 2017 Jul 1, 2017 Jul 21, 2017 Aug 31, 2017 Jan 1, 2018 Jul 1, 2018 Jul 1, 2018 Jul 13, 2018 Jul 19, 2018 Jun 27, 2019 Jul 28, 2019 Aug 5, 2019 Aug 12, 2019 Jan 1, 2020 about the next game – we don’t look too far ahead.
“We focus upon what is within reach and do everything possible to make sure we leave the pitch with a win. We are a very strong team mentally.
“It is important to maintain this high level even across so the youth team and turned him into the world’s most admired right-back. And at the other end of the scale his big money signings Virgil van Dijk and Alisson may well have doubled in value on the £75m and £60m fees he paid.
Carragher believes that is a unique ability, which ranks him ahead of the top bosses across Europe – and puts into stark perspective the transfer struggles at clubs like Manchester United, who have spent huge amounts in comparison
to Liversalah many games. Our squad is very strong, so when one comes out of the team and another comes in, the level of the team doesn’t change.”
Alisson also praised fellow countryman Roberto Firmino, whose stunning finish against Spurs last weekend helped pool during Klopp’s tenure. “It’s OK buying players, but it’s what you do when you’ve got them,” said Carragher.
“We forget that sometimes, when we talk about Manchester United’s recruitment in the last few years or other teams.
“Liverpool are viewed as the model now for recruitment, but when we say ‘recruitment’ you look at every team and say, ‘If you don’t get your recruitment right, you’re finished’. However, it is also what you do with that player after you recruit them.”
Klopp’s demand for constant improvement from his players is legendary. There is no doubt his squad has evolved beyond recognition in the four years he’s been at Anfield.
His skipper Jordan Henderson, who has just been voted England’s player of 2019, said: “The manager demands a lot, and we feel the same as players now.
“He’s always looking for the next challenge, and as players we demand that of ourselves. We know we cannot let up.”
Liverpool reach a record points tally after 21 games in Europe’s top five leagues.
He said: “It’s great to play alongside Bobby. He was in the Brazil squad before me. We then became team-mates in the national team. It’s an honour to play alongside him.”