Over the past couple of decades, we have all collectively put a more and more value on managers. It’s arguably the Bielsa, Klopp and Pep effect, where we can see just how much control their teams can exert in a game.
A new managerial appointment at Liverpool is always huge. And past managers are held in high regard. But, they’re not always immediately met with positvity.
Why manager appointments change the outlook
It’s not just the obvious (success, trophies) that managers can impact our outlook on, but every detail of the game. It’s the style of football, which impacts the atmosphere, and even the transfers themselves.
BenÃtez: Control above everything
Rafael BenÃtez arrived in 2004 as a tactician’s tactician. He was often talked up by the analysts and columnists due to his ideas. His vision for Liverpool was not built for entertainment, but winning in specific ways. Defensively disciplined and set-piece oriented, he was obsessed with opponent analysis. Very methodical, and it didn’t always go down well.
The 2005 Champions League run is the obvious reference point, but those European nights had a particular atmosphere precisely because they felt like chess matches. The problem was that BenÃtez had limited control beyond the pitch as his recruitment decisions often went above him, and the friction with ownership was a constant undertone. He just focused on what he could control, on the pitch, and when that wasn’t enough, the relationship deteriorated.
Klopp: Chaos with a purpose
Jürgen Klopp’s arrival in October 2015 was the opposite of everything BenÃtez represented. Gegenpressing turned Liverpool into a physical and emotional spectacle, and it reflected in the outlook from fans. Even when they weren’t winning, they were fun to watch. The team pressed in waves, conceded chances, scored in bursts, and made Anfield electric. It was a part of the process in the Premier League becoming as big and popular as it is today.
Where BenÃtez gave you structure, Klopp gave you chaos, but with a purpose. The nine years wasn’t about the winning. Just one Premier League title and Champions League was enough, and there’s no debate about that. People mistakenly put it down to Pep’s brilliance as reason for fans to be content, but really it was the personality and experience game-to-game. Betting sites soon adjusted to the different types of games being played, like shorterning the odds for high number of chances, corners, and yellows in transition.
Slot and the energy that was lost
Arne Slot’s first season produced a league title, but his second quickly lost the urgency the Klopp era had established. The fact he won the same number of trophies as Klopp does not equate the fans’ outlook, as the press dropped, atmosphere muted, and many lost hope. The style was too passive and couldn’t make up for the lacklustre finish of 5th.
Iraola: the right profile at the right time
Andoni Iraola’s tenure has barely started and it’s a very different outlook already. He’s drawn strong early backing and for good reason. He has an aggressive, front-foot style that aligns with Liverpool. He trains the players 7 days a week and asks a lot from them, just as the fans expect.
Whether he can recreate what Klopp built, or forge something entirely his own, remains to be seen. But at Liverpool in particular, the stature of the manager is hugely important to carry the weight of the badge.
