Taking a look at some of the greatest managers to take control of Liverpool, historically one of the biggest clubs in World soccer
Liverpool have a long and proud history, a club rife with atmosphere and a prestigious trophy collection. The Reds are the most successful club in English history, and up until a few years ago were leading the way in League titles. The incredible achievements within the club can be contributed to the men that lead the men, the managers.
There has been a lot of excitement surrounding the appointment of latest manager Jurgen Klopp, with many suggesting the German could be the one to restore the club to it’s past glory. Whether or not the former Dortmund coach can lead the Red’s to success remains to be seen, but it got me thinking of past leaders of the team; the people we have to thank for the club’s history and stature.
You might not agree with the five managers I’ve picked or the order in which I’ve placed them, but there’s no denying that these five men have contributed greatly to the club and will never be forgotten.
Next: No.5
No.5 – Rafael Benitez
The Spaniard came with a lot of hype after leading Valencia to two La Liga titles and a Uefa Cup, something that is all the more impressive when you consider the Real Madrid and Barcelona teams he pipped to the league titles in 2002 and 2004.
His defensive style of play seemed to turn a few fans off at first, but it didn’t take long for him to win the Anfield faithful over. People might forget however, that in his first League season with Liverpool he only managed to secure 5th place. This of course would have been a disaster if Rafa didn’t go on to lead Liverpool to arguably their greatest ever night, a Champions league final victory over AC Milan.
All seemed lost when the Reds were 3-0 down at half time, but some tactical tinkering and an inspirational half time team talk turned things around. As every Liverpool fan knows, the Pool went on to win the game on penalties and thus cement Benitez’s name in the clubs folklore.
Along with the magnificent Champions League triumph in his debut season, the Spaniard would go on to win the UEFA Super Cup at the start of the 2005/06 season along with the FA Cup and community shield in 2006. He also came excruciatingly close to winning the League title in 2009, losing out to Manchester United despite securing an impressive total of 86 points.
Next: No.4
No.4 – Joe Fagan
Fagan was in charge of the European final in 1985 that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, Liverpool losing and the tragedy that took place in the Heysel stadium. It’s widely believed that were it not for that disaster, Liverpool would have gone on to win on the night. Alas, these are only if’s and buts, and poor Joe announced his retirement just hours before kick off took place.
He was only in the hot seat for two years before calling it quits, but during his time in charge he secured an incredible treble in his first season. The treble included the 1984 European cup, when the Reds bested Roma on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.
Fagan was well loved at the club due to the duration of time he spent under Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, it was widely expected that he would have a great level of success following the departure of Paisley. We can only speculate how well he would have done had he not retired after such a short time.
Regardless of the length of time spent at the helm, Fagan will be remembered fondly for taking charge at a pivotal time in the club’s history and keeping everything in order before number three on the list came along.
Next: No.3
No.3 – Kenny Dalglish
Dubbed ‘King Kenny’ for a reason, Dalglish has served the club as both player and manager with great success. He was already an icon at the club when Joe Fagan retired and the board decided to place their faith in the striker. This made Dalglish the first ever player-manager at the club, only one of the many records he holds.
As a manger it wasn’t long before the Scotsman began to select himself on the team sheet less and less, putting the team first and letting the younger stars take more responsibility. Dalglish would be incredibly successful in the hot seat, winning two FA Cups (1986, 1989), four charity shields (1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990) and most impressively three league titles in 1986, 1989 and 1990. (The latter being the last league title Liverpool have won)
As impressive as his trophy collection is, it’s his behavior after the Hillsborough disaster that made Kenny the untouchable legend that he is. After 96 Liverpool fans were killed in the Hillsborough disaster, Dalglish attended countless funerals and offered unimaginable support to the grieving families of Liverpool. He also insured that players and members of staff from the club were in attendance at the funerals and services.
Dalglish came back for a second spell in management in 2011 and managed to win the Capital One Cup, the most recent cup Liverpool have won. Things didn’t work out and Brendan Rodgers replaced King Kenny as head coach, but Dalglish’s Legendary status will never fade from the club.
Next: No.2
No.2 – Bob Paisley
Bob Paisley was left with massive shoes to fill following the departure of Bill Shankly, but he would go on to become the most successful manager in the club’s history. At first Bob was reluctent to take charge, feeling as though he wasn’t made for the spotlight the position would catapult him in to.
Had he not found the courage within himself to take up the role, Liverpool would likely have missed out on the most successful period in it’s history. During his 9 seasons at the club, Paisley lead his team to 20 trophies including an outstanding 3 European cups and six first division titles.
It was his recruitment of star players such as Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Ronnie Whelan and Graeme Souness that lead to most of his success.
Gates at Anfield were named after the club legend, a great commemoration to the man who was responsible for Liverpool’s domination during the 1970’s and 80’s.
His entire list of achievements are as follows:
First Division: 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983.
FA Charity Shield: 1974, 1976, 1977(shared), 1979, 1980, 1982.
European Cup: 1977, 1978, 1981.
UEFA Cup: 1976.
European Super Cup: 1977.
Next: No.1
No.1 – Bill Shankly
There were no prizes for guessing who number one on the list was going to be, Bill Shankly IS Liverpool FC. If it weren’t for this incredible man, god only knows where Liverpool would be today. There is no doubt that he’s responsible for the philosophy and atmosphere that has always surrounded the club.
He may not have won as many trophies as number two on the list Bob Paisley but were it not for the infrastructure that Shankly lay down, Paisley wouldn’t have gotten the chance to shine and bring Liverpool to the unprecedented heights he did.
When Shankly took over in 1959, he saw a club in dire straits who were in need of a serious upheaval. The Reds were in the second division with no signs of progressing, until the towering and influential Shankly took the club by the scruff of the neck and dragged them up the leagues.
With all that said, it can’t be forgotten that Shankly was indeed a winning manager who won several cups at Liverpool, something the club had little experience in up until then.
He managed to win the Second division (1962), First division three times (1964, 1966 and 1973), (FA Cup twice (1965, 1974), UEFA Cup (1973) and the FA Charity Shield three times. (1964, 1965 and 1966).
Next: All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
Shankly is remembered in almost mythical fashion by the Anfield faithful and though he retired over 40 years ago, the Kop still sing his name and hold banners baring his image. A true sign of the influence the man had at the club.