Klopp will make a real difference if FSG give him what he needs

When Bayern Munich were in one of their semi-legendary periods of disarray, Jurgen Klopp managed to create an exceptionally thrilling, fearless and excellent Borussia Dortmund side. They took two straight Bundesliga titles and played some of the best football of this decade, only matched by Bayern Munich later on, and Barcelona either side of their achievements. They had Mario Gotze, Marco Reus, Ilkay Gundogan, Robert Lewandowski, Mats Hummels and Shinji Kagawa playing - at that point - the best football of their career.

When Manchester United were in one of their spectacular periods of disarray, not seen since the early days of Alex Ferguson’s reign at the club, Brendan Rodgers managed to create what initially appeared to be an exceptionally thrilling, fearless and excellent Liverpool side. They almost swiped the league from under the noses of a couple of mediocre Chelsea and Manchester City sides. That they failed, due to a slip and a collapse, meant that the achievement fell short of what Klopp managed at Dortmund, but Rodgers was competing in a tougher league. They had Philippe Coutinho, Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling playing - at that point - the best football in their career.

In the run-up to the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in the year that Bayern had made their comeback, after dropping a decent wedge of cash already in the summer, it was announced in the papers that Mario Gotze would be leaving that summer from Dortmund to Bayern. It was miserably underhand and cynical for Bayern to let that story slip, but it showed just how rattled Dortmund had them. Gotze left in that summer. The next year Lewandowski joined Bayern, and the year before that, Kagawa had quit for Manchester United.

In the run-up to the season they had finished second, Luis Suarez had agitated for a move away, and John Henry ultimately invited Suarez to sue the club to get them to honour his £40,000,000 release clause. Suarez, perhaps mindful that this was a club that stood by him - to their eternal discredit - over his racist abuse of Patrice Evra earlier, decided to remain at the club and make one final contribution. It was to Liverpool’s advantage, as Suarez played exceptionally well, and backed by Coutinho, Sturridge and Sterling, Liverpool had the competition rattled. Unfortunately, Steven Gerrard had been walking around since March with a face on that said, “I’m getting what I finally deserve,” and forgot that he should concentrate first on what he could control on the pitch. Those who support other clubs might have, post-slip, agreed that Gerrard did indeed get what he deserved.

Suarez then went to the World Cup, tried to eat Giorgio Chiellini, and used his ban to execute a long-planned operation to extricate himself from Liverpool. The blinkered might claim that he was forced out by nebulous dark forces, but that would say more about them than reality. Daniel Sturridge then endured a year blighted by injury, and Gerrard’s self-regard meant he took himself on a half-year farewell tour against the background of Liverpool actually playing football.

Having lost many of their players, and with Ilkay Gundogan struggling with a serious back injury, Dortmund could no longer match the requirements of Klopp. His intensive methods appeared to have burnt him and the players out. As well as that, Bayern continued to spend, and also had the advantage of the best manager in the world, as Pep Guardiola took over. They didn’t hit the heights that Guardiola’s Barcelona had, but they were unmatchable in the league. Klopp started to froth on the sidelines, and looked in need of a rest. He’s now had it.

Last year, without Gerrard committed to the team, without Suarez, and with Sturridge injured, Liverpool were nowhere near the same team. Add to that Mourinho’s reinvigoration, coupled with Chelsea buying Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, and Liverpool would never stood a chance even if all their players had been at the top of their game. The players were not exhausted by Rodgers’ demands, but they certainly seemed bored by his spoofing. It is far easier to inspire a side with a player of Suarez making sure all ideas seem like good ones in retrospect.

It was like property developers before the housing market crashed - you could paint a house the colour of blood inside and out, and you’d still be able to make a profit because of factors beyond your control. As people became convinced they knew how to play the market, so Rodgers became so assured of his own genius that he started letting the world in on the secret every week. He’s a capable coach, but he appeared to believe he had to act like he’d invented the sport. Where Klopp needed a break from pressure, Rodgers needs a break from cameras.

Both managers have been through a situation with enough similarities and differences to make Klopp no sure thing, but certainly a man regarded as the superior manager. They have, for short periods, upset the dominance of richer clubs, but ultimately failed to outperform indefinitely. There is no shame in that, but there are lessons to be learned in their next jobs. Should Klopp take over at Liverpool, he will need time to find his own players. The transfer committee and Rodgers have failed so extensively that something new needs to be tried, possibly giving Klopp more influence in identifying targets. He will need time to coach the players to his own tactics. And if he is to seriously challenge for the title, he’ll need a lot more money and plenty of luck.

It is currently unclear how much influence and money Klopp will have, but the latest story is that FSG acted now to take advantage of another poor Premier League season. It is often said that FSG are no experts in football. Well, if they expect Klopp to mount a challenge with the same resources they gave Rodgers, they will prove that assertion.