10 March 2024 , 09:00
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With Jurgen Klopp's time in charge of Liverpool coming to an end, it's impossible not to reflect upon his position in the Premier League.
The German head coach has earned just one title win but also led the Reds to a Champions League win, an FA Cup and two Carabao Cup successes. Klopp will bring his time at Anfield to an end after nine years come the season's close, and finish up as a Liverpool legend.
In assessing his legacy, it has been impossible to not associate Klopp's efforts with that of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Liverpool's boss has ensured the Merseyside team have provided competition to an otherwise dominant side. Few players have enjoyed the privilege of playing under both coaches. Robert Lewandowski is one.
The Poland international netted 102 times in 186 appearances for Borussia Dortmund when Klopp was in charge before scoring 67 times in 100 appearances under Guardiola at Bayern Munich. It is little wonder when speaking in 2020, that the coaching duo made the cut as Lewandowski's top two bosses.
The Barcelona striker claimed then that Klopp edged his Catalan counterpart. The attributes the forward described perhaps come as little surprise with Klopp continuing to express the same abilities at Liverpool.
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Lewandowski told ESPN: "I think Jurgen Klopp [is my favourite] and after that Pep Guardiola. 100 per cent. [Klopp] has two faces. You can see that he is kind of like a father, but the second part is like a coach, a manager
Klopp managed Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund - and says the Polish ace wasn't prolific then as he is now (Bongarts/Getty Images)Join the debate! Where do you think Klopp will end up next? Let us know here.
"He can tell you everything - and I'm not speaking about the good things - about the bad things. Also for [players], he is a huge motivation.
"He makes this perfect, because he knows where there is this line where he can [push you] more or a little bit less. His performance as a coach is amazing, but not only as a coach but also as a man."
Klopp and Guardiola face off for the final time before the former departs Anfield on Sunday afternoon. If either team can claim three points they will lead the division with 10 matches remaining of the season, with just one point separating the sides.
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