The Klopp Effect: A Modern Management Theory in the making.

This is the story of a man with one of the most challenging tasks in the world, bringing different talents together to play on the pitch.

I've observed Jurgen Klopp so closely for so many years, his leadership style, the philosophy and his managerial approach. I must say that he is worth all the accolades.

Jurgen Klopp's man-management style has been the approach best for his players' development. I must say this proven to be one of the best approaches in the game of football.

This great manager has also been commended for his impact on the players themselves, with Klopp putting trust in youngsters and ensuring others have improved.

What's so special about Jurgen Klopp? What makes him so successful as a manager?

The recent revelation from the UEFA best player of the year 2019 Van Dijk gives us an insight into this: “I have a good relationship with him [Klopp] because he just tells you the truth and I will tell him the truth. That’s something I really appreciate.

“Sometimes when there is a mistake I did, that no one else sees, he will tell me.

Jurgen Klopp is renowned for reviving the career of several players. His ability to connect with his talents is extraordinary. Connection on the field of play and even beyond...

One of the biggest lessons learnt from Klopp's Style is that he creates an atmosphere that makes every player or team member under his leadership feel really good and then gives them the opportunity to look inside of them for what makes them feel confident.

In plain terms, when you create a good platform for your followers to explore you automatically bring the best out of them.

Klopp has this to say:

"In the beginning, when a new player is coming in, I don’t give them any information. It’s like, ‘let them play’. You learn more about your players each day and how to treat them, how to deal with them." Source.

Jurgen Klopp brings out the best in every talent he is opportune to manage and he has good eye for the unique not necessarily the best talent around.

Within a season, Klopp transformed MO Sallah into a superstar competing with the likes of Messi and Ronaldo at the big stage.

Van Dijk's first season at Liverpool has suddenly placed him on world's footballing map grabbing two major awards.

This shows there is something unique about Klopp's effect. I think I need to come up with a managerial theory using the phrase "The Klopp Effect". *Smile*

A good number of business managers or big business professionals look to football managers for inspiration and often used footballing success as a tool for interpreting business leaders behaviours, such as teamwork, motivation and talent management.

Klopp is a good case study for great inspiration.

Klopp often portrays himself as a manager the team can relate to - something most business managers can learn from.

He makes himself fully accountable for any mistakes.

Jurgen Klopp sees pressure as an opportunity for greatness. This mental approach was demonstrated clearly in the 2019 semi-final clash with Barcelona at the UEFA champions league. Liverpool were 3 - 0 down and needed 4 goals in the 2nd leg to move on to the finals.

Jurgen Klopp turned a negative situation into a highly positive one by focussing on the opportunity and this became another big comeback at the UCL.

Ignite the passion in them...show you've got it. They know when it's coming from within!

Klopp has a great passion for the game of football on the pitch and even off the pitch.

This passion is really infectious as it affects the team's overall on-the-pitch performance and this is why his players play from the heart and will always give in their all. Whether the outcome of a match was good or bad, he will keep up the routine to show his players just how much he appreciates their efforts by hugging them.

Final Words

I will conclude this piece with one of Klopp's greatest comment that sparked my attention.

"Criticism is important. But it has a tendency of being either too negative or too positive. You score three times, and everybody says, ‘Fantastic! How did it feel?’ and so on. Nobody is interested in the guy who played the pass or made the goal.

"I as a manager, already know that player won’t score three goals again in the next game. You have to deal with that.

"That’s why helping them to be an independent, confident person is a really important part [of working] with my team during the day.” Source.

Are Bad Managers Holding Back Your Best Talent?

Questions? Have any lessons that I missed? Share below in the comments — I’d love to help and hear them!

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Abayomi is an innovative digital consultant & B2B marketing strategist who consistently drives business growth through highly-targeted email campaigns, LinkedIn strategy, SEO strategy, demand generation integrated with digital marketing. He is a lover of the game of football as this has been a strong part of him while growing up.

You can connect with him directly or reach him via email: [email protected]