Liverpool has been blessed with some great personalities leading from the touchline. Jurgen Klopp is certainly one of the them, if not arguably the greatest. As an emotional Anfield said goodbye to ‘The Normal One’, fans officially put Klopp in the list of heroic managers to coach Liverpool.
Sounding their appreciation and gratitude, Liverpool fans paid a tribute to their modern day great by including him in a fan made banner alongside other legendary Liverpool managers and even players, etching his name into the Liverpool Folklore.
The banner comprises of some great trainers that helped Liverpool become what is it today in an adaptation of a popular scarf hoisting legendary managers of the club.
However, the banner as nice of a gesture it was, has raised some questions about the heroes that were omitted from it.
The flag paid homage to the coaches who had won the Premier League or Champions League with Liverpool. It had Rafael Benitez, Kenny Dalglish, Joe Fagan, Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly.
While Benitez won the Champions League in 2005 on that famous night in Istanbul against AC Milan, Bob Paisely and Bill Shankly won the European Cup much before and found their place in the hall of fame. Joining them is Joe Fagan and the legendary, most decorated manager for Liverpool of all time, Sir Kenny Daglish who won six Premier League titles and three Champions League trophies.
Klopp too finds himself on the glittering list. While he has won a Premier League and Champions League title, it is his influence that has cemented his status as a legend at the club.
Speaking of influence, some fans are not happy with the omission due to possible undermining that of another Liverpool great, Gerard Houllier from the Folklore banner.
Gerard Houllier, was a French manager who coached Liverpool from 1998/99 season to the 2004. While he didn’t win any major titles that could put him on the list, he is considered by the fanbase as a legendary manager having launched future greats such as Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.
His influence is much revered by the fans as he is credited with building the very foundations of the team that won the 2005 Champions League title under Rafa Benitez which produced some very fond memories for the Anfield faithful to savour for years to come.
As good and respectful the intentions were, the decision to leave Gerard Houllier out from the banner hasn’t gone down well with fans.
It’s by no means a major scandal, but it is certainly nothing less than admirable to see a proper legend get his flowers and recognition for his amazing work in a time where trophies and titles are everything.
Gerard Houllier has induced certain values for the club that extends even today. A manager that kicked off an exciting era for Liverpool is not forgotten by the fans and remembered even more dearly since his tragic passing away in 2020.
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