LONDON – The Premier League title achieved this Thursday by Liverpool will forever be associated with the charisma, drive and passion of its technical director, Jurgen KloppBut those individual qualities contradict a style of leadership that avoids autocratic control.
Klopp took over a club that had not won a league title since 1990 and the German’s instant impact was injecting confidence, confidence and enthusiasm, much-needed elements in the club.
“Because it felt a bit like depression here, I think it made sense to be extremely lively,” he said at the time and that was certainly evident from his first months in charge.
However, while the laughter and positive thinking of Klopp They conquered the fans, behind the scenes he was implementing an approach that went far beyond ‘heavy metal soccer’, a phrase he coined at his previous club, Borussia Dortmund.
“Don’t act like you know everything and prepare to admit it. It’s not a real philosophy, it’s just my lifestyle, “said Klopp in a recent interview at the club.
“Have strong people around you with better knowledge than you have in different areas.”
This was exactly the approach that Klopp took from the beginning.
He made it clear that he was not going to micromanage all aspects of the club. When asked by an employee what time he wanted the bus to go out with the team before a game, his response was, “Why are you asking me?”
Previous technicians may have always decided such matters, but Klopp was saying two things with that answer: First, he had more important things to worry about, but more importantly, other people knew the answer better. that question.
Premier League management has drifted away from the old-school idea of the ‘boss’ handling transfers and contracts, bus schedules, training routines, as well as tactics and selection.
‘GIVING ME A CALL’
Delegating is an option that Klopp takes more seriously than most.
It was an approach he used in Dortmund, where he once explained why, unlike some coaches, he traveled to seek talent.
“I’m not going to travel all over Germany and discover gems, that doesn’t make sense. You really need to tell your scouts, ‘this is what we are looking for, and if you find someone,’ call me. ‘”
Liverpool, like all the best clubs, has a recruiting department made up of talent identification specialists, who use data as well as the eyes and ears of its staff.
When it comes to transfers, Klopp works closely with the sports director Michael Edwards, an association that has helped build key pieces on the winning side of the title.
There has also been experience-focused recruiting in sports science and analysis departments, where again, Klopp operates largely on a “need to know” basis.
When Klopp gets key information, he has the gift of presenting it to players in a concise and effective way.
“Their knowledge of when to give and when not to give, what to give and what not to do is at a different level,” said Liverpool analyst Mark Leyland.
Klopp, 52, is quick to hug a player and is acclaimed for listening and instructing, but that relaxed or caring approach can mask his hardest side.
So are you a ‘player manager’ or a demanding leader?
Klopp has no doubts: “He is both friend and drill sergeant.”
It is a winning combination.
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