Klopp at the Kop: Will former Dortmund boss succeed at Liverpool?

After three-and-a-half-years at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers saw his time at Liverpool terminated following another stalemate with Merseyside rivals Everton, and the club’s swift work behind the scenes has seen them secure Jurgen Klopp as his replacement.

The former Borussia Dortmund boss is as charismatic as they come in terms of managers, with his witty charm and a nurturing approach towards players set to see the German become a new hero in his Anfield surroundings, where he will be 9/4 with Coral for a top four finish.

Germany’s top-flight witnessed countless moments of emotional outbursts on Bundesliga sidelines and, of course, success, since the 48-year-old took charge after an impressive spell with Mainz, but will Klopp bring back the glory days to the Kop?

Talks were rapidly successful in bringing the entertaining German to Anfield, with the club overlooking other previous managerial candidate Carlo Ancelotti, seeing Klopp as the perfect suit to their immediate and long-term goals and requirements.

The highly-driven coach left the Black and Yellows at the end of last season to go on a sabbatical, following his attempts to guide his former side back from a daunting position near Bundesliga relegation places, ultimately finishing in seventh.

Although, his final term during a seven-year tenure at the Westfalenstadion didn’t tell the entire story, having previously led Dortmund to the summit of Germany’s top-tier, dethroning dominant force Bayern Munich and also challenging their authority in Europe.

Overcoming Munich in the Bundesliga also ended Dortmund’s nine-year wait for a German title, clinching the league crown in 2011 and 2012, also winning a domestic double during that latter campaign.

Liverpool are currently going under a similar, yet more daunting, situation in the Premier League, having never won the top flight title since its reincarnation in 1992, and their previous division coup coming in 1990.

Klopp undoubtedly faces a tough task in his new role, but the German is extremely determined, having previously outlined his intentions to only join a club that needed a rejuvenation of their domestic status after a fall from grace. Sound familiar?

The job for this experienced coach is to, not to just simply wake a sleeping giant, but to evoke it from a previously ceaseless oblivion.

In Europe, where the Reds will look to once again compete after previously failed attempts to mount any sort of a challenge, Klopp also has experience, having overseen Dortmund’s path to the 2013 Champions League final, only to narrowly lose 2-1 to their bitter Bavarian rivals.

In addition to his winning mentality and the aura of confidence that surrounds him, Klopp has a great connection with fans, something that should become a decisive factor during his reign, with Liverpool 16/1 to lift the Europa League this season.

Also, he will bring a high-tempo playing-style to Anfield, with his former Dortmund side having been a delight to watch going forward, and his passion for blooding youth into his set-up to create potential superstars will be a welcomed asset.

Players such as Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels, Shinji Kagawa, Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus and Mario Gotze only became true talents under his guidance and were of his own creation. The nurturing boss also managed to maintain standards when some of those stars were lured away, continuously overcoming domestic obstacles.

Essentially, Klopp has already achieved with Dortmund what Liverpool are desperately craving. He was devoted and loyal to their hopeful project, rebuilding the club’s fortunes and eventually bringing back success to a set-up that, like the Reds, had previously held plenty of rich tradition, history and potential.

Time will tell whether or not Klopp can emulate his own past accolades with Dortmund during his time at Anfield, but the German undoubtedly possesses the qualities and character needed to succeed in his latest quest in England.