Jurgen Klopp is the most successful Liverpool manager in recent memory. The German - now viewed as one of the greatest bosses in Premier League history - took over the reigns of a sleeping giant in 2015 before not only awaking that giant but breathing new life into the English club.
He walked into a club with ageing players, overrated stars and a disconnect between those wearing the red shirt and the adoring Anfield faithful. Klopp replicated the success he had in Germany with Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund as he quickly created an understanding between fans and those inside the club.
Many of the players who featured in his first Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 were quickly moved on, and the German made his mark on the team with many shrewd additions over his eight-year reign. However, several key leaders were retained and played massive roles in the success Klopp achieved on Merseyside.
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Jurgen Klopp on the Impact of 'Role Model' James Milner
Liverpool's success impossible without the Englishman
Among the more experienced professionals who arrived at Anfield before Klopp was ex-England international James Milner. Brendan Rodgers signed the former Aston Villa and Manchester City ace on a free transfer and immediately named him the vice-captain to Jordan Henderson.
Upon Rodgers' departure just months after his arrival, there's every chance Milner, who is still playing at the age of 39, would be fearing for his position. However, he went on to be integral over the next eight years, helping the Reds on their way to Premier League and Champions League glory.
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Used in a variety of positions, including right-back, left-back, central midfield and on the wing, the hard-worker was one of the key men in Klopp's tenure. The manager himself acknowledged this after a 2022 clash against Newcastle United. Speaking about his vice captain, Klopp made the bold claim (per The Guardian):
"He’s a role model. I have told him, I can tell the whole world – nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without James Milner, it’s as easy as that.
"Whether he was on the pitch or not, he’s set standards in a way not a lot of people can set standards, and it educated all of us."
Making 332 appearances for the Reds between 2015 and 2023, Milner isn't always given the credit he deserves as one of the key players behind the many trophies Liverpool lifted under Klopp. He was, however, always appreciated by those he worked with, his ex-boss included.
James Milner's Liverpool Statistics
Competition
Premier League
Champions League
Europa League
UEFA Super Cup
FIFA Club World Cup
Champions League Qualifying
FA Cup
EFL Cup
Community Shield
Jurgen Klopp Labelled James Milner 'Complete'
Jurgen Klopp James Milner
Despite languishing in the middle of the Premier League table when he took over from Rodgers, Klopp was quick to shut down suggestions that huge changes were required. Speaking after he watched his team leave White Hart Lane with a 0-0 draw in his first outing, Klopp picked out several players for praise.
Among those he name-checked as top professionals and useful players to have in the squad were Brazilian duo Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Leiva, compatriot Emre Can and Adam Lallana. Perhaps the highest praise he handed out, however, was for Milner. Klopp labelled the Englishman 'complete' as he stated (per Sky Sports):
"Milner? The complete football player, the perfect professional. [You think] I should teach them technical aspects? They know. We have to altogether help them show it."
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 17-06-25.