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Jurgen Klopp in 'legendary category' of managers above Arsene Wenger

Jurgen Klopp in 'legendary category' of managers above Arsene Wenger

Peter Staunton 13 Feb 2024, 09:15 Last modified: 13 Feb 2024

Jurgen Klopp is stepping down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season. After nearly nine years in charge, the 56-year-old leaves Anfield having won every piece of major silverware available to him.

His highlights include the 2019 Champions League, won against Tottenham in Madrid, and the 2020 Premier League title, Liverpool’s first top-flight success in 30 years.

Conversations have already turned towards Klopp’s legacy and where his triumphs place him against legendary managers of the past.

There aren’t many managers who can match Klopp’s Anfield credentials and one ex-Reds captain believes his successes put him above Arsene Wenger in the chase for greatness.

The Arsenal icon was in charge of the North London club for 22 years, winning three Premier League titles among other honours.

The big trophy that eluded him, however, was the Champions League. The closest Arsenal got to winning it was in 2006 when a Ronaldinho-led Barcelona overcame the Gunners in Paris.

Graeme Souness was asked by Simon Jordan on talkSPORT where Klopp’s achievements put him in the overall ranking and he was quick to award the former Borussia Dortmund boss a higher place in the pecking order than Wenger.

'Legendary category'

“Wenger never won a Champions League,” he said on the Simon and Souness show.

“I think that one competition, whether it’s me overvaluing it or not, but I think there’s so much hype and interest and glamour surrounding the Champions League nowadays – Klopp has won it as well.

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“I just think it’s a unique group to be in. To be able to say you’re a manager who has won the Champions League, I think that puts you in a legendary category.”

Klopp will leave Anfield at the end of the current campaign but there are still prizes to be contested.

The Reds are currently top of the Premier League and awaiting a Europa League last-16 knockout tie. They are also through to the Carabao Cup final and into the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Liverpool manager, therefore, has a chance to add to his legacy before departing for what is assumed to be a well-earned break.