No.4 – Jürgen Norbert Klopp
Make no mistake. There are a hold handful of good reasons to come to Liverpool, but right now there is one that eclipses all others. Jurgen Klopp is the reason why players are turning down moves to other clubs. His infectious enthusiasm and football is irresistible for like-minded players.
Naby Keita turned down the opportunity to move to Barcelona to play for Klopp. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rejected more money at Arsenal and Chelsea to join the German’s plans at Anfield. The influence of the manager is thought to be the tipping point for Virgil van Dijk also. Instead of picking up a guaranteed Premier League medal at Man City he was convinced by Klopp’s pitch for Liverpool.
Much of why these players want to play for Jurgen Klopp are off-field reasons; charismatic personality, inviting work environment, positive culture. Yet there are just as many on-field reasons too.
For Goretzka in particular – Germans view Klopp as an icon – Klopp is a manager who can help him become a better player. He will have witnessed the growth of his countryman Emre Can and will be keen for his own development. He has more talent than Can and could fulfill all his great potential under Klopp’s tutelage.