Patience with Mauricio Pochettino spells glory for Chelsea

Offensively, he encouraged his teams to build attacks from the back and play out from the goalkeeper, focusing on short passing and quick interchanges to break down opposition defenses. He sought to create overloads in midfield areas and relied on full-backs to provide width and attacking options.

Pochettino’s man-management skills were also highly regarded. He emphasized player development and worked closely with young talents, nurturing their abilities and giving them opportunities to shine. Under his guidance, several players, such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Harry Winks, flourished and became key contributors to the team’s success. His tenure with Spurs has given him enough credit to expect some time to implement his tactics and build a solid team.

Liverpool and Manchester City have set the standards for teams across Europe, with Klopp and Guardiola leading their clubs over many years. That dominance and consistency did not happen overnight and certainly not in the first season itself.

Jurgen Klopp’s first season at Liverpool

Klopp’s first season at Anfield was the 2015-2016 campaign. The German was appointed as the club’s manager in October 2015, succeeding Brendan Rodgers. He inherited a team that had experienced mixed success in recent years and had finished sixth in the Premier League the previous season.

The ex-Borussia Dortmund coach immediately set about implementing his trademark “gegenpressing” style of play, which emphasized high-intensity pressing and quick attacking transitions. He also aimed to instil a strong team spirit and a winning mentality within the squad.

LFC’s first season under Klopp was a mixture of highs and lows. The team had some notable victories, including a thrilling 4-1 win over Manchester City and a 3-1 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. However, there were also disappointing results and inconsistencies, as he worked to implement his tactical approach and philosophy.

Liverpool’s impressive run to the finals of the League Cup was one of the highlights of the season. The team reached the final, facing Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in February 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, but Liverpool lost 3-1 in the subsequent penalty shootout. In the Premier League, The Reds finished eighth, missing out on qualification for European competitions.

While Klopp’s first season at Liverpool did not yield immediate silverware or a high league finish, it was a transitional period that set the stage for future achievements. Klopp’s charismatic and passionate personality resonated with Liverpool supporters, creating a strong connection between the manager, players, and fans.