‘It’s all about togetherness’

IT IS typical of Jurgen Klopp that on the day he delivered the greatest prize of all to Liverpool Football Club, he spent his time highlighting the work of ‘heroes’ during the Covid-19 crisis.

In addressing the incredible work of Fans Supporting Foodbanks and the Merseyside PPE hub, Klopp, below, spoke of “the people’s problems being our problems”, and his pride in the “solidarity” of the community. There, in one sentence, was the philosophy which explains how Klopp has created champions, has turned his Liverpool side into one of the Anfield greats, to secure the club’s first title where over 30 years so many have failed.

How he has done the impossible, and surpassed a Manchester City side who recorded the two highest points totals in topflight history.

Klopp was once asked if he could sum up his philosophy simply. He spoke of the values he instils not just in players, but in the team surrounding his team. “You can’t reinvent football,” he said. “All the sides we compete with are brilliant.

“So how can you make the difference? How do you win? You must find another reason why you win.

“The closer you are together, the more you do it for each other. Make a sacrifice for each other, suffer for each other, the better you will be.”

Speaking with volunteers who did so much to help during the pandemic, Klopp emphasised that without them, life would have been even harder.

It echoes what he tells every new signing. “It’s about togetherness,” he says. “That’s not football, it’s life.”