Klopp and The Kop

Today Jurgen Klopp officially began his tenure as Liverpool manager and Anfield has quiet understandably lost it’s mind, overcome with joy and expectation.

Fans have been craving the appointment of a top-class coach since the departure of Rafael Benitez. Since Benitez’s exit in 2010 it has been a succession of almost managers: Brendan Rodgers, Kenny Dalglish (in his second stint) and Roy Hodgson represent a far inferior pedigree to that of Klopp.

The possibilities are potentially endless for Liverpool with this man at the helm, but it is his character that may turn him into a legendary figure at Liverpool. Klopp is the human embodiment of The Kop End at Anfield.

Unabashed Joy

The former Boruissa Dortmund manager is famous for his passion. A man without a filter, Klopp wears his emotions on the tip of his cap.

Fantastically unreserved and wonderfully expressive, the German has a lot in common with The Kop End. When a goal goes in at Anfield, it is not uncommon to find yourself a few rows down in the historic section. God help you if it’s a derby game or a goal in the 86th minute against Olympiakos.

The Kop is renowned for it’s enthusiasm and extremes. Klopp himself is no stranger to celebration and marks every one of his club’s goals with the same explosive reaction. Sometimes an impressive leap or a running fist pump, Klopp celebrates like a fan when his side scores.

Whether it be a goal to decide a title chase or the fifth in a rout, Klopp gives everything, just like The Kop.

Derbies Reign Supreme

Klopp places huge significance on rivalries. Watch any of FC Mainz 05’s or Dortmund’s derby wins and you will see a coach completely exhilarated by the fury of a local contest.

Beating Everton or humiliating Manchester United is the dream for any Liverpool fan and the fixtures are often the highlight of the footballing calendar. The Kop plays a huge part in the atmosphere on derby day and is often the mouth piece for these historic match-ups.

In 2013, Klopp described the Schalke-Dortmund derby as ‘the most special game in the Bundesliga’. The Revierderby is the most hotly contested fixture in the German league and Dortmund beating Schalke is the equivalent to Liverpool edging Everton.

Klopp demanded immense effort from his players when Schalke came to town regardless of league position or schedule and this attitude will surely resonate across the Kop.

Basking in the glow of success with fans

There are hundreds of videos across Youtube of Klopp sharing a key moment with the fans that adore him. His popularity lies with his ability to connect with the supporters and experience the game as they0 do.

The Kop above all is a communal environment designed to praise and celebrate Liverpool. It’s sole purpose is to cheer and inspire and Klopp is an individual that embodies that principal.

Every victory is one to share and every moment is made perfect by community. Klopp understands and thrives in this kind of setting.

The Kop will love Klopp because they are one in the same. Klopp can be personify the Kop pitchside because he is a manager that immerses himself in the culture and passion of a club. He cares about the same things as the fans do, he hurts just as the supporters do and he will breathe eat and sleep Anfield.

The Kop will love Klopp because Klopp is the Kop.