Liverpool FC are the second-best club in the history of English football, but the club had lost its way in the Premier League era. The Reds have found it difficult in the Premier League era as other sides have out-spent them in the market. Liverpool have changed a lot of managers over the years in search of a Premier League title.
From Graeme Souness to Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool board has changed eight managers but only Klopp delivered the vital league title. Finally, after laying hands on the Premier League title, the club will try to build on it and get even more titles.
Best Liverpool Managers in the Premier League Era
#3- GERARD HOULLIER –
Regarded as one of the most revolutionary managers in Liverpool history, Houllier started managing the club in 1998. He started the joint-manager with then-Liverpool manager Roy Evans, who eventually resigned after only five months. This meant that Houllier stood as the man-in-charge of Liverpool, and thus started a clear-out which saw players like Paul Ince and Steve McManaman leave the club.
Houllier relied on the youth and through his previous contacts in France signed some great players like Hyypia and Smicer. He also moved in academy graduates like Gerrard and Carragher, who went on to become club legends in their latter years. Houllier was also the reason for Liverpool drastically changing its academy structure as he stayed at the helm for six years.
The French manager won an FA Cup, a couple of Football League Cups, an FA Charity Shield, the 2000/01 UEFA Cup and 2001 UEFA Super Cup.
#2-RAFA BENITEZ –
Taking over from Houllier in 2004, Rafa Benitez was one of the best managers in Liverpool history as he led them to a Champions League victory. Benitez had a great relationship with Steven Gerrard and was one of the main people to persuade Gerrard not to leave for Chelsea in 2004. He also signed some great players with his connections in Spain and signed Xabi Alonso and Luis Garcia.
Benitez proved to be a great manager as he led Liverpool to the League Cup final in his first season. He also won them their famous Champions League victory that season, after trailing 3-0 at half-time against the mighty AC Milan. Liverpool also won the UEFA Super Cup the next season and the FA Community Shield the next year.
But like many other Liverpool managers, Benitez couldn’t lead them to a Premier League title. But in the 2008/09 season, Benitez came really close to winning the league and was only four points away from the champions.
#1-JURGEN KLOPP –
Arguably one of the best managers of the current times, Klopp has delivered what no other Liverpool manager could. In just five years time, Klopp has turned Liverpool into a global brand once again, on and off the pitch. The German coach has made his Liverpool side as one of the fiercest team in the world of football after winning the Champions League and the Premier League.
Klopp has surely taken time, but he is the sole reason for the success of Liverpool. His transfer activity, both signings and sales, have been spot on, as he has brought in players according to his system rather than big names. The likes of Mane, Salah, Firmino and Robertson have been great for the Reds of Liverpool.
Even when he has spent the money, he has spent it wisely and signing of Van Dijk and Allison are testimony to the fact. In the last three seasons (as on 2020), Liverpool have finished second in the Premier League and the Champions League, won the Champions League, Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Klopp’s Liverpool are favourites to win next season’s (2020-21) Premier League as well, making him the Reds’ best manager in the Premier League era.
