Jurgen Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool manager in 2015. The German's time in at Anfield would be a resounding success, as he helped deliver a first-ever Premier League title for the Reds, among over major honours (such as the 2019 Champions League).
While Klopp's impact at Liverpool cannot be understated, he may well feel a little disappointed to have not won more league titles. After all, he went toe-to-toe with Pep Guardiola's Manchester City team on a number of occasions, but only got the better of the Catalan on one occasion.
Adding to that potential sense of frustration, Arne Slot replaced the German in the summer of 2024 and then immediately walked away with his own Premier League title in his debut season, matching Klopp's tally (one).
It all shows just how fine the margins in football can be, but Klopp would quite possibly have another league title under his belt if it wasn't for what Rodgers once did – or rather, failed to do – as Leicester City manager.
Klopp Blamed Rodgers For Kompany's Wonder Goal
Felt he should have taken James Maddison off
Back in 2019, Liverpool and Man City were in the midst of one of their famous two-horse title races. Guardiola's men were hosting the Foxes and the game looked destined to end 0-0. With just 20 minutes to play, however, Vincent Kompany shocked everyone as he blasted the ball in from distance to secure a vital 1-0 victory.
With City picking up three points, it meant they just had to win on the final day of the season to seal the Premier League title. They did indeed manage to get across the line, leaving Liverpool empty-handed. Speaking in 2024, a frustrated Klopp would later reveal his lingering anger with James Maddison and Leicester manager Rodgers:
"The moment when Vincent Kompany touched the ball there, I am really happy I didn't get a stroke in that moment as that's how it must feel.
"I remember exactly how I was lying on the sofa watching and thinking 'Maddison block him, close him down'.
"Since then I don't like Maddison. I was angry with Brendan [Rodgers] that day because he should have taken him off, he was tired.
"Leicester played really good first half, after that they should have scored. It's just a personal thing, I have no problem with him, but when I see him it's... and now I saw him again last weekend."
English journalist Rory Smith, silhouette of James Maddison and Liverpool and Spurs club logos Related
'I'm an English Journalist - My Leaked Story Stopped Spurs Ace Joining Liverpool'
Things could have been so different for this English midfielder.
At that stage, Liverpool had never won the Premier League, with their last English top-flight title lift coming way back in 1989-90. Seemingly spurred on by that pain, the Reds would blow everybody out of the water the very next season, to finally get their hands on the competition's famous trophy.
As such, Klopp will always be remembered as an Anfield legend. And yet, he could have become just the fifth manager in history to win more than one Premier League trophy, had it not been for Rodgers' failure to sub Maddison vs City. No wonder he still holds a bit of a grudge.