Michael Gray has praised the way that Jurgen Klopp has changed management during his spell at Liverpool.
The talkSPORT pundit applauded the German for his approach and how the way he befriends his players will make them want to run through brick walls for him, comparing Klopp to Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Speaking on talkSPORT (Tuesday, 18th June) Gray said: “The camaraderie he has with his players is just absolutely incredible to watch.
“We’ve seen it more and more now, but nobody probably better than the way Jurgen Klopp does it. You’ve got to become their best friend and I think he does it better than anybody.”
"The camaraderie he has with his players is incredible." ?
"You have to become their best friend. He's better than anybody at it."
"It seems they want to play for Klopp and run through brick walls for him."@MickyGray33 praises Jurgen Klopp and how he's changed management. ? pic.twitter.com/U8tes0HCLf
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 18, 2019
Gray went on to praise both Klopp and Pochettino by adding: “Pochettino is good at it as well, they just look like they want to run through brick walls for them.”
Klopp joined Liverpool in 2015 from Borussia Dortmund and has since managed 208 games at the Reds. The Champions League winner has an impressive point per game average of 1.97. [Transfermarkt]
In his time at Anfield, the 52-year-old has quickly become a hero at the club and will have his sights set on winning the Premier League title after missing out by a point in the last campaign.
OPINION
Since arriving at the club in 2015, Klopp’s style of play has led to great success on and off the field. After memorably finishing second in 2014, the Reds finished sixth in the following campaign. Since the German joined the club, Liverpool have gradually grown every season, with his side breaking the record for the most points acquired by a runner-up in the league this year. His friendship with his players is clear to see, and Klopp has built a squad that trusts his style massively. Klopp has adapted to England perfectly during his time and is now reaping the rewards – compare that to Pochettino, who although has gained plaudits for his style, he has yet to win a piece of silverware at the club. The Reds have dominated sides with Klopp’s fast attacking style, averaging 58.8% possession this season [WhoScored], with an even bigger average the season before with 62%. [Liverpoolfc.com] Compare that stat to Tottenham who average just below the Reds with 56.7% possession [WhoScored], Klopp has instilled a cutting edge to his side, with Liverpool creating the chance for an extra shot every single league game. The most telling stat shows the gulf between both managers and their sides – Liverpool only lost one game compared to Pochettino’s men who managed to fall to defeat a staggering 13 times. There is a time and a place to be a friend to your squad, with Klopp definitely finding a better balance at Anfield compared to Pochettino at Spurs.
