Jurgen Klopp has scooped a well-earned nomination for the 2019 Best FIFA Men’s Coach award.
With his vision for the team finally realised, Klopp led the Reds to an extraordinary 97-point tally that would, under normal circumstances, have comfortably won us the league and, of course, oversaw our successful bid for Champions League trophy number six.
Klopp does face some stiff competition, not least from his greatest Premier League rival Pep Guardiola.
Brazil’s Copa America-winning boss Tite is also on the shortlist, along with Mauricio Pochettino and Ajax manager Erik ten Hag.
🚨 Meet the coaching candidates! 🚨#TheBest Men's Coach nominees:
🇩🇿 Djamel Belmadi
🇫🇷 Didier Deschamps
🇦🇷 Marcelo Gallardo
🇦🇷 Ricardo Gareca
🇪🇸@PepTeam
🇩🇪 Jurgen Klopp
🇦🇷 Mauricio Pochettino
🇵🇹 Fernando Santos
🇳🇱 Erik ten Hag
🇧🇷 TiteVoting OPEN 👇https://t.co/NRJ9Nz40FC
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 31, 2019
The winner will be decided by votes from fans as well as from international coaches, captains and journalists, so get voting, Reds!
The PL might have eluded us, but Reds fans will surely be unanimous in the belief that Klopp warrants the accolade.
Even aside from the renewed success on the pitch, Klopp has totally transformed the mood around the football club from one of resigned cynicism to immense belief.
If this award is about the skills of coaching, then his renowned man-management also has to be considered. Countless players have unlocked their potential under his tutelage, and the mentality he’s instilled in the team is impeccable.
We’ll find out if Klopp has been successful in the Milan ceremony on 23 September.