Jurgen Klopp was unveiled as the new manager of Liverpool on Friday, and has set his sights on ending their long wait for the league title.
The Reds extended their record number of titles in 1990 when they clinched their 18th crown, yet nobody could have envisaged then that they were about to embark on a quarter of a century without collecting another. Indeed, they are no longer the most successful club in English league history, as Manchester United have now surpassed them with 20 title wins.
Brendan Rodgers came close to restoring the Anfield club back to the summit during the 2013/14 season, only to be pipped by Manchester City at the death. The Northern Irishman was unable to launch a challenge the following campaign, and when they started the current edition slowly, he was sacked last week just hours after his side were held to a 1-1 draw at Everton.
Klopp was immediately installed as favourite to succeed Rodgers, and it was confirmed on Thursday that he had agreed a reported four-year deal with the Merseyside giants. The former Borussia Dortmund boss was unveiled in one of the most anticipated press conferences in recent history on Friday, and he made no qualms about his intent to end his new club’s long wait for the title.
“We can wait for it,” said the 48-year-old German, who won two league titles and a DFB-Pokal with Dortmund and also led them to the UEFA Champions League final in 2012/13. “I don’t want to say we have to wait the next 20 years. When I sit here in four years, I think we’ve won one title in this time. I’m pretty sure. If not… maybe Switzerland [will be next for me]!”
As expected, Klopp will bring in his old Borussia assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, following the departure of Sean O’Driscoll and the redeployment of Gary McAllister. There has been speculation that he may also look to appoint a club legend to his coaching staff, with his compatriot Dietmar Hamann, wh spent seven years at Anfield from 1996 to 2006, a potential option.
