How The Klopp Ticks: An Unofficial Biography of Jurgen Klopp

Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Liverpool was met with such frenzy that it would only be slightly lazy journalism to compare it to Beatlemania – certainly, Britain was enthralled by the charismatic German taking the reins at Anfield.

With his stylish black-rimmed glasses, preference for jeans over suit trousers, boisterous nature and generous belly-laughs, Klopp’s arrival felt like a coup for the entire Premier League.

And his first press conference after arriving on Merseyside, in October 2015, saw him charm the nation further, with generous sprinklings of humour and confidence.   In an era where the cult of personality dominates football management, Klopp is a success story with few equals, having rebuilt Borussia Dortmund to such an extent that they now possess a cult following across Europe.

But how did he do it?

From growing up with his demanding father, through his own mediocre playing career, to developing a playing style blueprint – gegenpressen – that revolutionised modern football, this book takes a shallow dive into Jurgen Klopp’s story.   For a man of many words, Klopp could fill several volumes – but this concise, focussed book centres on the key elements of his success. Where he came from, how he built his reputation, and what Liverpool – and the Premier League – can expect from the ‘normal one’.

He claims to be extra ordinary – when, in fact, he is extraordinary.

About Lee Price

Lee Price is an award-nominated national print journalist and published sportswriter who is, and has always been, besotted with football.

He used to compile player lists and notes on his arms, clothes, school books and bedroom walls. Now, he does similar for a living.

Previously of Shoot! magazine, and now a feature writer, Lee has interviewed various sporting greats – most memorably his original footballing hero, Eric Cantona, who was as aloof and enigmatic in a hotel lobby as he was on the pitch. And Lee was as infatuated.

Other objects of his footballing affection include the English lower leagues, Germany’s fan model, the faint possibility of an England World Cup win, and a good old-fashioned unlikely success story.

About this eBook

Introduction
1. Jurgen the jungen
2. The Mainz man
3. BV-Glee: Making the step up to Dortmund
4. Klopp at the Kop
5. What is Gegenpressen?
6. The man himself
7. Klopp: The wit and wisdom of

Author: Lee Price

Published 25 November 2015 | Only available on Kindle and iBooks | £2.49 | Word count: 9,218

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.