Klopp's quadruple dreams faded in heat of title race

So Jurgen Klopp will leave the Premier League with a place alongside Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Carlo Ancelotti and Kenny Dalglish, too, and they are company he will probably deem a compliment.

- RICHARD JOLLY

But Klopp, one of the division’s defining managers, will forever remain a one-time winner.

And if that 2020 triumph was historic, as Liverpool’s first for three decades, if his reign has come in the context of a wonderful rivalry with Pep Guardiola, it feels an inadequate reflection of a colossal contribution. Klopp will not sign off with a second Premier League; that was likely before Liverpool crossed Stanley Park, almost certain after Everton’s demolition job. “I can’t say now we are fully in [the title race],” he said. “We need a crisis at [Manchester] City and Arsenal and need to win football games. You can read the table.” It shows Liverpool second, but with City’s games in hand rendering them very much third favourites.

Liverpool 2.0 won’t be Klopp’s second champions. There was never a guarantee of his perfect finish when he announced his departure; Klopp knew as much, has maintained his decision would not change if Liverpool won everything or nothing and, long before Arne Slot was lined up as his successor, has accepted his lot.