Two years of Jurgen Klopp - but how far have Liverpool actually come?
This weekend marks the two-year anniversary of the German's arrival at Liverpool - let's take a look at his first 24 months in charge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This weekend marks Jurgen Klopp's two-year anniversary at Liverpool and what a two years it has been.
Europa League and EFL Cup finals, qualification for the Champions League once again, some of the best attacking football in the country and a welcome return of some of the positivity of old to Anfield.
But how far have Liverpool really come under the German's stewardship? Let's take a look at his first 24 months in charge.
Squad
Klopp has opted for evolution rather than revolution, reflected in the fact 15 of the players he has used this season were inherited from Rodgers (not including Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana, who have been injured).
Three of those - Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno and Clyne (when fit) would make up his first-choice defence. He has more depth among his goalkeepers than before and has considerably improved the forward line.
The departments in between still require some work, however.
Signings
Ten major signings have been made during Klopp's tenure: of those Sadio Mane has been the one stand-out success.
Summer signing Mohamed Salah has shown early signs he could follow suit but fellow new arrivals Andrew Robertson, Dominic Solanke and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have not really had chance to stake their claims. Last season's signings midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum and defender Joel Matip have been inconsistent.
A deal, which on paper looks a good one, has been done to bring in highly-rated RB Leipzig midfielder Naby Keita next summer but it is probably the signing Klopp could not get done - that of Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk - which has been the most talked about.
Development
Klopp has blooded a number of youngsters from the club's academy. Some of it was more out of necessity rather than design as two busy Januarys meant he had to dip into the reserves for cup competitions.
It was not without merit, however, as it gave chances to the likes of Ben Woodburn - who became the club's youngest scorer with a goal in the League Cup and has gone on to become a senior Wales international aged just 17 - Sheyi Ojo, Ovie Ejaria and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Of those the latter is currently enjoying an extended run in the first team to cover Clyne's injury.
Style
The high-tempo, aggressive pressing and pacy counter-attacks synonymous with Klopp took a while to implement, but the tactics were at their most effective 12 months ago when Liverpool blitzed teams on their way to briefly topping the Premier League last November.
However, opponents began to work them out in the second half of the campaign, sitting deep to make things difficult, and it posed some testing questions. Although this season Liverpool have shown flashes of replicating that form, crucially they have not been able to convert chances.
Key moments
Four months after taking over Klopp guided the team to the League Cup final where they were unlucky to lose on penalties to Manchester City. A thrilling 4-3 home Europa League win over Klopp's former club Borussia Dortmund felt like a watershed but despite reaching the final and leading at half-time, a second-half collapse saw them lose 3-1 to Sevilla.
Guiding Liverpool to the top of the Premier League table in early November 2016 was followed by a struggle from January, a month which included a 2-0 aggregate semi-final defeat to Southampton which prevented Klopp reaching back-to-back League Cup finals. Qualifying for the Champions League for only the second time in eight years saw them achieve their target, even if they did limp over the line.
Keeping Philippe Coutinho out of the hands of Barcelona, and his successful reintegration into the team, was significant - as was the failure to persuade Southampton to part with Van Dijk.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments