Jurgen Klopp claimed West Ham United hero wasn’t as ‘appreciated’ as he should have been
Jurgen Klopp: A Voice of Conviction On and Off the Pitch
Jurgen Klopp, revered as one of the most charismatic and influential figures in modern football, has never been one to shy away from expressing his opinions. During his tenure at Liverpool, the German manager became synonymous not only with tactical brilliance and team success, but also with his candid, passionate approach to the game. Whether offering heartfelt support for struggling colleagues or voicing frustration at football authorities, Klopp’s words always carried significance — and often sparked conversation across the sport.
Widely hailed as Liverpool’s greatest manager of the Premier League era, Klopp transformed the Reds from a team languishing in mid-table mediocrity into one of the most formidable sides in both English and European football. His arrival at Anfield in 2015 marked the beginning of a new era — an era that delivered a Premier League title, a Champions League crown, and a return to the elite status the Merseyside club had long craved.
In the process, Klopp earned widespread admiration not just from Liverpool supporters but from football fans around the world. His forthright nature and evident authenticity won him respect in a way few managers manage. Much like Sir Alex Ferguson in his prime, Klopp’s views are now seen as insightful, authoritative, and worthy of attention long after the final whistle.
Standing Up for David Moyes Amidst Criticism
A striking example of Klopp’s character came in December 2023, during the Carabao Cup quarter-final between Liverpool and West Ham United. The Reds ran out dominant 5-1 winners on the night, but Klopp used the occasion to shine a light on an under-fire figure: West Ham boss David Moyes.
At the time, Moyes was facing increasing scrutiny from both sections of the Hammers fanbase and segments of the British press. Despite having led West Ham to UEFA Europa Conference League glory earlier that year — their first major European trophy in decades — Moyes found his position under pressure amid inconsistent domestic form and a stalled contract renewal process with the East London club.
But Klopp, never one to ignore unfair criticism, spoke out in Moyes’ defence. In his matchday programme notes, the then-58-year-old manager praised his opposite number’s contributions to English football. Per BBC Sport, Klopp wrote:
> “I don’t know why but it sometimes feels that David’s work is not always appreciated as much as it should be – but this is certainly not the case for me.
He is a manager who has great experience, knowledge and ability.”
Klopp’s words proved prophetic. Though Moyes would part ways with West Ham at the end of the 2023/24 season, his tenure was soon cast in a more positive light after his successor, Julen Lopetegui, struggled to make an impact. The Spanish coach’s reign lasted less than eight months, and West Ham quickly found themselves battling relegation — a stark contrast to the relative stability under Moyes. Klopp’s earlier comments stood as a reminder of how quickly narratives in football can shift, and how easily past successes can be taken for granted.
A Sliding Doors Moment: Klopp’s Near Move to Manchester United
Klopp’s connection to Moyes runs deeper than one moment of solidarity. In fact, history might have played out very differently had Klopp accepted an offer to become Moyes’ successor at Manchester United a decade ago.
Following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United had turned to David Moyes in hopes of maintaining their dominance. However, the Scot endured a difficult and brief spell at Old Trafford, lasting less than one season before being dismissed. In the search for a replacement, Klopp emerged as a top target in 2014.
The German tactician, then enjoying considerable success with Borussia Dortmund, was courted by the Red Devils during their turbulent post-Ferguson transition. Yet Klopp declined their advances — a decision that would reshape the trajectory of two of England’s biggest clubs.
Reflecting on that time, Klopp admitted that something simply didn’t feel right about taking the job at United:
> “Manchester United, yes they were interested a year or a year-and-a-half before, but it didn’t feel right. I couldn’t say Man United is not my club, but it didn’t feel right.”
That sense of intuition and authenticity has always guided Klopp’s career decisions. Instead of heading to Old Trafford, Klopp would eventually accept Liverpool’s offer in 2015 — a move that aligned more with his vision and values. What followed was a near-decade of success that redefined the Premier League landscape.
Legacy Beyond Trophies
Jurgen Klopp’s impact on English football extends far beyond his impressive haul of trophies. He brought a sense of identity back to Liverpool, reinvigorated the Anfield faithful, and elevated the Premier League with his brand of high-energy, emotionally-charged football. But just as importantly, he left a mark through his words — choosing to uplift rather than tear down, and using his platform to champion those he believed deserved more respect.
From defending fellow managers like David Moyes, to turning down roles that didn’t align with his instincts, Klopp consistently demonstrated integrity in a sport often dominated by short-term thinking and relentless pressure. And as he moves into the next phase of his life and career, his voice is one that will surely continue to resonate.