In his nearly nine-year spell at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp elevated Liverpool to the pinnacle of English football once more. And now the final few months of his tenure have been captured in a documentary.
With a well-established reputation from his time at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp's infectious personality quickly transcended expectations, cementing his legacy at Liverpool. But Klopp bid farewell to Liverpool last summer having secured an illustrious haul including the Premier League for the first time, the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, and even the Club World Cup, catapulting him into the pantheon of Liverpool's managerial legends.
The Amazon Prime Video documentary series, 'Doubters to Believers - Liverpool FC: Klopp's Era', offers an enthralling glimpse into the critical choices Klopp made at Anfield that restored the club's glory. And we've picked out five things we spotted in the show.
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Jurgen Klopp humility
Embodying humility, Klopp stepped away when he felt the time was right. The decision was made in November 2023 and then announced to the world around two months later. Cameras at the AXA Training Centre were there to document Klopp's concluding period with Liverpool, revealing intimate aspects of the man behind the success.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Klopp insists he never saw himself as a Liverpool legend, his humility ever-present. "It doesn't feel at all [like I am a Liverpool legend]," he is documented saying. "I have and always had to keep — and always did — try to get some distance between the person the people are talking about and me."
Jurgen Klopp, always known for his honesty and humor, dismissed any notions of self-adulation, adding: "I don't look in the mirror every morning and think: 'You're a [expletive] legend!' (laughs)."
Arne Slot prediction comes true
In an emotional farewell, Klopp offered some sage advice to incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot. He confidently reassured everyone that he won't be appearing on the managerial scene again, expressing a poignant goodbye and unwavering belief in Liverpool's future success.
Klopp said: "I'm pretty sure I won't be managing anymore. I left my office for the last time, but the club will be fine. The team is full of really good people, and they'll do well, or even better. Someone new will come in, full of energy, ideas, and excitement, and lead the club into the future. It's great."
As it turned out, Klopp was right. Slot has taken Liverpool on a stride toward the title, with rivals Manchester City and Arsenal plagued by injuries and failing to keep pace.
Curtis Jones love
The affection Klopp holds for young star Curtis Jones shone brightly as he discussed the player's journey in the documentary. Praising Jones' unwavering self-belief, Klopp found it inspiring and endearing.
"He was never in doubt that he would make it, and I love that so much," Klopp said. "It's so different to my personality. I have no idea how I arrived here. He believes he's in exactly the right place. The man he developed into is wonderful."
This season, Slot has done well to get even more out of Jones, playing him in a more advanced role. The new way of playing seems to suit the Liverpool number 17 and he should have plenty more good years at the club.
Feeling blue
During Jurgen Klopp's final season at the helm of Liverpool, his ambitions for another title win took a hit as Liverpool's form dipped, including a pivotal 2-0 loss to local rivals Everton. It was a blow that still bothers Klopp, as evidenced by his raw recollection.
"Now I have to go back to the [expletive] Everton game that I tried hard to get out of my mind and tell you what I thought before this [expletive] game?" he recalled. "It was probably all wrong as we played as [expletive] as we did."
A year later, Liverpool suffered again at Goodison Park, conceding in the last minute to draw 2-2. As it turns out, though, that wasn't a bad result. The Reds are now 13 points clear, though they have played a game more than Arsenal.
Pep Lijnders disagreement
Tension in the backroom emerged between Klopp and then-right-hand man Pep Lijnders over the development trajectory of young star Conor Bradley. Lijnders openly disagreed with the decision to send Bradley on loan to Bolton Wanderers, believing him to be an ideal understudy for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sharing his side of the story, Lijnders said: "I remember that I really fought, proper fought, for Conor to be our No.2 behind Trent," underscoring the passion within the coaching staff for their players' growth.
"The club makes the decision together with Jurgen to get him out on loan, and it really, really upset me a lot. There was hard, hard words and it was probably one of the only confrontations I had with Jurgen. He won't remember it anyway but I remember it."
Klopp admittedly doesn't recall that specific clash with Lijnders, who departed Anfield along with the German to take the reins at Red Bull Salzburg last summer but has since been fired. In contrast, Bradley has continued to develop his Liverpool journey, racking up 23 Premier League caps since his first team bow just over 13 months back.
