Klopp reflects on his toughest call in football: “I want to see Bill Shankly”
Liverpool’s influence has a habit of appearing in unlikely moments, even when a former manager is reflecting on football’s past rather than current events.
Jurgen Klopp recently revealed his personal “Mount Rushmore” of football managers and, although he did not include himself, his choices offer a clear insight into the figures who shaped his outlook — and, in turn, shaped Liverpool under his guidance.
Speaking on his official Instagram account, the 58-year-old acknowledged how challenging the exercise was. “This is my Mount Rushmore of football coaches, and narrowing it down to four is incredibly difficult, but I’ll give it a go,” he explained.
Klopp identifies the coaches who defined the game
The former Borussia Dortmund coach began with two names closely linked to modern football philosophy.
“Johan Cruyff is the most influential coach I’ve ever known,” Klopp said. “His vision of the game and his understanding of football were simply unmatched.”
Pep Guardiola followed soon after, with Klopp adding: “You could say exactly the same about him. I’ve faced his teams, so I know just how demanding that experience can be.”
Longevity and sustained success then came into focus, with Sir Alex Ferguson described as “the most successful manager of all time.” However, Klopp admitted selecting the final name proved the toughest decision.
Why Shankly’s inclusion resonates
“Now it becomes really hard,” Klopp said, mentioning Carlo Ancelotti before turning to two figures whose names carry special weight at Anfield.
“Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley — I’ve heard so much about them, even though I never saw them,” he explained, before concluding: “But yes, Bill Shankly belongs on the Mount Rushmore.”
For Liverpool supporters, that recognition carries real significance. Not only because Shankly built the club’s identity, but because his influence clearly reached the man who reignited belief during nine transformative years on Merseyside.
Klopp’s decision to leave himself out also stands in contrast to ongoing discussions about how often he is referenced in relation to Arne Slot, particularly after Wayne Rooney suggested such comparisons could increase pressure on the current head coach during difficult spells.
Despite stepping away from management, Klopp remains closely connected to the modern game. He recently spoke of missing the “intense atmosphere inside stadiums” as he prepares for a punditry role at the 2026 World Cup.
Even without a touchline role, Klopp’s reverence for Liverpool’s history continues to highlight why his bond with the club — and its supporters — still feels so distinctive.
