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Jurgen Klopp
Updated to include the Premier League Victory 2020 "It is the intensity of the football, of how the people live football in Liverpool, all the Liverpool fans around the world. It is not a normal club, it is a special club." Jürgen Klopp Jürgen Klopp is the charismatic German manager who single-handedly overthrew the accepted order in German football, taking Borussia Dortmund from nowhere to back-to-back Bundesliga titles and the Champions League final. He had long been admired in the Premiership and was finally wooed by Liverpool in the belief he could bring back the glory days to the Kop. Klopp is revered as a master tactician with his own unique playing philosophies. He is loved by his players for his passion and man-management skills, and adored by fans for his charm, wit and exciting football on the pitch. Here is the definitive story of Jürgen Klopp - the normal one - and his footballing genius.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
July 15, 2019
Клопо е много харизматичен и заслужава по-добре представена биография. Тази е прекалено суха, разхвърляна, прилича на хаотична сбирка от футболни статистики и случайни интервюта и статии в медиите. Тези, които го познават и следят малко или никак, няма да бъдат изобщо очаровани или заинтригувани от него, ако изобщо имат търпението да прочетат книгата. Феновете му така или иначе са запознати със сухите факти и резултати и няма да намерят онзи магнетичен и импулсивен Клоп, когото гледат с удоволствие край тъч линията. Защото част от него липсва в това дистанцирано и с леко съмнителна достовернист четиво. Няма интервю нито с него, нито с най-близките му, само с хора извън кръга му, случайни извадки от пресата и прекалено количество лично мнение на автора.
Наясно съм, че това не е художествена литература, но малко по-изгладен изказ и изчистени изречения, както и редакторска и коректорска намеса, биха направили четенето една идея по-приятно. В този вид на места е истинско мъчение, особено в частта за Майнц 05 (подозирам че и преводът има донякъде принос).
Наясно съм, че това не е художествена литература, но малко по-изгладен изказ и изчистени изречения, както и редакторска и коректорска намеса, биха направили четенето една идея по-приятно. В този вид на места е истинско мъчение, особено в частта за Майнц 05 (подозирам че и преводът има донякъде принос).
April 10, 2019
Basically what I expected, an insight into Jurgen Klopps personality, career, style of managment. A typical football book, easy to read, easy to follow the story line, a story about a football manager will excite you or not, for me, as a football fan, I really enjoyed this book, the book provided me with everything I anticipated, the only negative I can think, is that the book is written, whilst Jurgen Klopp is still active as a football manager, so it is not a complete career story, I prefer books written about footballers, and football manager once they have completed their careers so you get the whole story. Thus said, this is a good football related book, about a very popular, and very likeable man, even fans from rival teams admire and respect Jurgen Klopp. His postivise attitude is good for football. Well written, no editorial mistakes, my type of book. Enjoyed it. I think people enjoy such books, when they are interested in the person that they are reading about.
June 20, 2024
Easy going read updated to incorporate the champions league win
February 18, 2024
My first thought when finishing this was "how has so little content managed to fill 250 pages." This was disappointingly brief and largely uncritical from an author who has no obvious vested interest, and who was unable to find any contributors who had worked with him since the start of his Dortmund stint, which was 7 years prior to publication.
My personal view of Klopp is that he is a likeable, competent manager who escapes close scrutiny compared to other characters who have had similar results. This book provides plenty of evidence that Klopp has had his fair share of disappointing spells, but one thing I did learn is that Klopp fosters a familial atmosphere that makes short-term results less important, which offers an explanation why.
However, the book rarely delves too far into Klopp's management style, other than the extent to which he uses player stats in his management, which is not much. More coverage is given to the tactical changes during his playing career than during his management career, and there is too much of an emphasis on his team's results, rather than his role as manager - with the notable exception of his touchline antics.
The rather flat narrative of his team's results means that his poorer performances are never questioned - he stuggled to get Mainz promoted, faltering at the end of the season, and Mainz's relegation is excused as he had to sell some players. Although Dortmund were at a low ebb, they are still a massive German team, and the underdog story was taken a bit too far for a club of Dortmund's resources. That said, he did win the Bundesliga twice, which was an undeniably great achievement, but that doesn't excuse him of any criticism whatsoever.
The rather unromantic story is mirrored in the treatment of Klopp - the lack of player interviews means that the biography is not very personal, however I found the appendix interviews with a life coach and brand expert surprisingly interesting, and crucially less sycophantic. Nonetheless, a bit of colour to Klopp's day-to-day methods would have improved this a lot in my view.
I learnt a lot less about his time in Germany than I expected, and nor was there a lot of entertainment. It rarely dragged, but the generous spacing might well be indicative of a lack of substantial content. I did learn there's a dress code for Champions League managers though.
My personal view of Klopp is that he is a likeable, competent manager who escapes close scrutiny compared to other characters who have had similar results. This book provides plenty of evidence that Klopp has had his fair share of disappointing spells, but one thing I did learn is that Klopp fosters a familial atmosphere that makes short-term results less important, which offers an explanation why.
However, the book rarely delves too far into Klopp's management style, other than the extent to which he uses player stats in his management, which is not much. More coverage is given to the tactical changes during his playing career than during his management career, and there is too much of an emphasis on his team's results, rather than his role as manager - with the notable exception of his touchline antics.
The rather flat narrative of his team's results means that his poorer performances are never questioned - he stuggled to get Mainz promoted, faltering at the end of the season, and Mainz's relegation is excused as he had to sell some players. Although Dortmund were at a low ebb, they are still a massive German team, and the underdog story was taken a bit too far for a club of Dortmund's resources. That said, he did win the Bundesliga twice, which was an undeniably great achievement, but that doesn't excuse him of any criticism whatsoever.
The rather unromantic story is mirrored in the treatment of Klopp - the lack of player interviews means that the biography is not very personal, however I found the appendix interviews with a life coach and brand expert surprisingly interesting, and crucially less sycophantic. Nonetheless, a bit of colour to Klopp's day-to-day methods would have improved this a lot in my view.
I learnt a lot less about his time in Germany than I expected, and nor was there a lot of entertainment. It rarely dragged, but the generous spacing might well be indicative of a lack of substantial content. I did learn there's a dress code for Champions League managers though.
November 12, 2016
If you like to find out what makes a football manager tick then this is the book for you. A wonderful insight not just into the manager but the man himself. With expert analysis and great contributions from fellow manager, players, directors, analysts and more this book goes further than you would expect from a biography. A well recommended read.
January 21, 2024
В никакъв случай не е перфектната биографична книга, но наистина много ми хареса! 8 от 10 без колебание 😉
Каква футболна кариера само - единствено във втора лига на Германия. Знания, но не и уменията, които да осъществят желаното на терена. И тогава идва шансът - да си мозъкът и двигателят, най-важната част от цялото.
Юрген Клоп е неповторим и енигматичен. Страшен симпатяга. Когато му дават шанс да бъде треньор, той не просто го сграбчва и успява, той се развихря и прави чудеса.
Много от мачовете описани тук реално съм ги гледал и с благодарност си припомних някои емоционални моменти. Не ми се искаше да чета пак за загубата на Байерн в ШЛ от Ливърпул, разбира се. Сетих се за онова знаменито 4:0 срещу Барселона, но бях забравил, че бе постигнато без трима основни футболисти - Фирмино, Сане и Салах! Кой друг може да постигне това, ако не Нормалния?
Майнц 05, Борусия Дортмунд, а сега и Ливърпул - това е приказка, за която вярвам всеки един почитател на тези отбори ще е благодарен цял живот. А за Мърсисайдци тя даже продължава.
Каква футболна кариера само - единствено във втора лига на Германия. Знания, но не и уменията, които да осъществят желаното на терена. И тогава идва шансът - да си мозъкът и двигателят, най-важната част от цялото.
Юрген Клоп е неповторим и енигматичен. Страшен симпатяга. Когато му дават шанс да бъде треньор, той не просто го сграбчва и успява, той се развихря и прави чудеса.
Много от мачовете описани тук реално съм ги гледал и с благодарност си припомних някои емоционални моменти. Не ми се искаше да чета пак за загубата на Байерн в ШЛ от Ливърпул, разбира се. Сетих се за онова знаменито 4:0 срещу Барселона, но бях забравил, че бе постигнато без трима основни футболисти - Фирмино, Сане и Салах! Кой друг може да постигне това, ако не Нормалния?
Майнц 05, Борусия Дортмунд, а сега и Ливърпул - това е приказка, за която вярвам всеки един почитател на тези отбори ще е благодарен цял живот. А за Мърсисайдци тя даже продължава.
April 27, 2020
I read the biography about Jurgen Klopp, not only for the reason I'm a Liverpool fan but because he is my favorite manager since he was at Mainz, I like the way he moves on the pitch, he is a very authentic leader and highly emotional, authenticity means that thoughts, feelings and actions go in harmony, Jurgen Klopp is very competent on a technical level he demonstrates his expertise, he is smart and intelligent. The charismatic manager played for the best part of 325 appearances for Mainz Club and scored 52 goals, then he became the manager for the same club Mainz 05 and secured Bundesliga promotions in 2004 before he was appointed manager of Liverpool in 2015, he won two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund, I'm glad that I had the chance to read about one of the greatest football managers in the world.
August 19, 2023
The best part of the book is last couple of pages where the last interview with Galvesch is. It really sums up Klopps persona and dig in his mentality and attitude.
July 16, 2019
Even my husband (who is a Liverpool fan) was surprised to know that I read this book on Klopp. I was a bit disappointed when I read at the beginning where the writer mentions that this book is not about Klopp's life but it's about his journey as a football player and then a manager.
For football addicts, this book would have been fascinating because there were so many mentions of players and historical football tournaments the author made reference to. I couldn't follow these parts of the book, but what I really liked about the book is the author gave enough emphasis on how Klopp started, grew and learnt about the art of football and also about Klopp's superb character which nails him to be a great football manager.
I have highlighted so many of his sayings and phrases in the book which I can use as life lessons. One which is on top of my head is his constant emphasis on staying humble no matter where you are in life and also how fast back up he bounces from a setback in the tournament, especially during his time in Dortmund.
This is a book worth picking up. If a not so football addict like me can learn a thing or two, football maniacs especially Liverpool fans should read this book.
For football addicts, this book would have been fascinating because there were so many mentions of players and historical football tournaments the author made reference to. I couldn't follow these parts of the book, but what I really liked about the book is the author gave enough emphasis on how Klopp started, grew and learnt about the art of football and also about Klopp's superb character which nails him to be a great football manager.
I have highlighted so many of his sayings and phrases in the book which I can use as life lessons. One which is on top of my head is his constant emphasis on staying humble no matter where you are in life and also how fast back up he bounces from a setback in the tournament, especially during his time in Dortmund.
This is a book worth picking up. If a not so football addict like me can learn a thing or two, football maniacs especially Liverpool fans should read this book.
September 5, 2023
This is a decent overview of Jurgen Klopp's coaching career, if that's what you're looking for.
Eighty-five percent of the book is very "this match happened, then that match happened and then, amazingly, this match also happened..."
It lacks the access to a wide variety of key figures that the outstanding biographies have in abundance, aside from a couple of brief interviews with a few friends and some journalists (journalists interviewing journalists is a pet peeve). It largely relies on Klopp's own press conferences, which does not allow the book to fully critically analyse Klopp's career.
There are a few decent tidbits of insight, such as the influence of Wolfgang Frank on Klopp's career. But it only really skims the surface.
Towards the end, it becomes a difficult read and feels a bit like a rushed essay. There are a fair few typos.
I wanted to learn so much more.
Eighty-five percent of the book is very "this match happened, then that match happened and then, amazingly, this match also happened..."
It lacks the access to a wide variety of key figures that the outstanding biographies have in abundance, aside from a couple of brief interviews with a few friends and some journalists (journalists interviewing journalists is a pet peeve). It largely relies on Klopp's own press conferences, which does not allow the book to fully critically analyse Klopp's career.
There are a few decent tidbits of insight, such as the influence of Wolfgang Frank on Klopp's career. But it only really skims the surface.
Towards the end, it becomes a difficult read and feels a bit like a rushed essay. There are a fair few typos.
I wanted to learn so much more.
July 12, 2020
Whilst not in his own words this book is an interesting insight into Klopp and gives you a good overview of his career prior to joining Liverpool.
He is an enigmatic character and has developed a type of play that seems to have worked at the club's he has managed.
He seems to get the best out of players and build a team spirit that seems second to be none.
He is an enigmatic character and has developed a type of play that seems to have worked at the club's he has managed.
He seems to get the best out of players and build a team spirit that seems second to be none.
December 27, 2024
Книгата отразява историята на един от най-великите мениджъри в света, а именно Клоп – невероятен човек, невероятен треньор. Можете да се запознаете много отблизо с него в тази книга. Авторът се е постарал да покаже и най-интересните сезони с отборите, които е водил: Майнц 05, Борусия Дортмунд и Ливърпул. На мен много ми хареса и я препоръчвам, ако сте фен на Клопо.
Книжен вариант.
Книжен вариант.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2020
Good factual book, particularly interesting coverage of the early years of Klopp’s career. Lacks input from Klopp himself but a worthwhile read for a Liverpool fan.
October 29, 2025
Започна много добре, но завърши скучно на фона на фигурата, която е Юрген Клоп. Беше ми доста интересна частта с личния му живот и неразказаните за него истории, но сухото представяне на мачове, голове и сезони накрая ме загуби. Затова ми отне и толкова време да я прочета.
April 9, 2021
Very interesting and informative.
February 7, 2017
Fantastic book with great insight into Klopp's background and how his style has formed, evolved and been influenced since starting as a manager. Written with great knowledge by Neveling, this is a very interesting look at the tactics, workings and philosophy of his teams over the years - from Mainz to Dortmund to Liverpool.
I feared this book may be anti-climax, having not been written in conjunction with Klopp himself, however I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very engaging read and am pleased to say it confirmed my initial impressions of the man from his media profile - genuine, charismatic, and a motivating leader of men.
I feared this book may be anti-climax, having not been written in conjunction with Klopp himself, however I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very engaging read and am pleased to say it confirmed my initial impressions of the man from his media profile - genuine, charismatic, and a motivating leader of men.
November 29, 2017
You will learn a bit about what kind of character is Klopp, but as I said a bit. There is not that many information about what made Klopp make that decision or go in that club.
Klopp was not involved at all in the writing of this book. Most of the statements or part's of statements are from other people who are more or less close to Klopp. The positive about this book is that you will learn the whole Klopp carrier as a player and as coach.
There are in my taste a bit too much statistics about how the game ended and who scored the goals and how they scored them. I think a book like this can do without that. Also in my opinion the English translation is not that great.
Klopp was not involved at all in the writing of this book. Most of the statements or part's of statements are from other people who are more or less close to Klopp. The positive about this book is that you will learn the whole Klopp carrier as a player and as coach.
There are in my taste a bit too much statistics about how the game ended and who scored the goals and how they scored them. I think a book like this can do without that. Also in my opinion the English translation is not that great.
December 28, 2017
As a fan of Liverpool football club, it was interesting to see how Klopp has managed other clubs before Liverpool. You could see what he is doing with the clubs he manages and you can get a better perspective on his tactics. However, the author has a distant relationship with Klopp and has not interviewed either the man himself or his players, and only very few of his colleagues. It is very hard to see behind the man, as you would expect in a biography.
I recommend the book to Liverpool fans and admirers of Jürgen Klopp just because it is a short quick read. Looking forward to more insightful books about him.
I recommend the book to Liverpool fans and admirers of Jürgen Klopp just because it is a short quick read. Looking forward to more insightful books about him.
August 18, 2018
As a biography Elmar Neveling has documented Klopp's early life, his football development and professional playing career culminating at Mainz under influential manager Wolfgang Frank. It then documents his managerial successes, first with Mainz and then with Borussia Dortmund.
Although not a Liverpool fan, I was interested in discovering Klopp's background prior to his appointment as Liverpool manager in October 2015. Neveling's book has filled that void.
I felt that the final forty pages of the Appendix section could have been left out, but otherwise a quite enjoyable and informative read.
Although not a Liverpool fan, I was interested in discovering Klopp's background prior to his appointment as Liverpool manager in October 2015. Neveling's book has filled that void.
I felt that the final forty pages of the Appendix section could have been left out, but otherwise a quite enjoyable and informative read.
January 2, 2021
Jurgen Klopp's biography leapfrogged my reading list based on recommendations and curiousity about the manager that turned around Liverpool's fortune.
The book was well structured and easy to follow even though I watch football sparingly. Having known nothing about Klopp's playing career or managerial style I was impressed how he used good foundation laid by his former manager to develop his own unique style and was successful in all the 3 clubs he managed. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is unapologetic about the passion he has for the sport. Would recommend for people who want to know more about Klopp.
The book was well structured and easy to follow even though I watch football sparingly. Having known nothing about Klopp's playing career or managerial style I was impressed how he used good foundation laid by his former manager to develop his own unique style and was successful in all the 3 clubs he managed. He wears his heart on his sleeve and is unapologetic about the passion he has for the sport. Would recommend for people who want to know more about Klopp.
November 1, 2016
A decent study of Jürgen Klopp ideas and actions as a football manager. Unfortunately the author (renowned German sports journalist) hasn't interviewed him. This takes away some of the authenticity that is essential to sports biographies.
This said, as a Liverpool fan, I can "see where he's going" with his selections, formations and applied strategy after gaining a greater understanding of the 'geggenpressen' philosophy and how this would translate into a pitch in England.
Worth a read for a fan, but along way from a sports biography classic (no, Andre Pirlo for example)
This said, as a Liverpool fan, I can "see where he's going" with his selections, formations and applied strategy after gaining a greater understanding of the 'geggenpressen' philosophy and how this would translate into a pitch in England.
Worth a read for a fan, but along way from a sports biography classic (no, Andre Pirlo for example)
May 28, 2017
This is an absolutely fantastic read and is both engaging and intriguing. It really helps the reader to understand what makes Jurgen Klopp tick and provides reasoning behind all the decisions he makes and how he has been mounded into the character he is today.
I would recommend this book to any football fan because it doesn't just relate to Klopp himself it also gives an interesting look at football coaching in general and how they operate and think.
I would recommend this book to any football fan because it doesn't just relate to Klopp himself it also gives an interesting look at football coaching in general and how they operate and think.
May 2, 2018
After finished reading this book, sometimes it kept me wonder whether Klopp fully applies the theories being stated in the book; when you can sense in games he did not apply them thoroughly.
It is interesting that when I am writing this, his so called "The Brain" coach left the team for 'personal reasons' when the book clearly stated Buvac supposedly to be part of Klopp's management. So let just wait whether the Arsenal rumor is true or not by end of the season.
It is interesting that when I am writing this, his so called "The Brain" coach left the team for 'personal reasons' when the book clearly stated Buvac supposedly to be part of Klopp's management. So let just wait whether the Arsenal rumor is true or not by end of the season.
February 8, 2020
Якщо ви хоча б трішки стежили за футболом Боруссії(Дортмунд) та Ліверпуля з 2010 року, то тут мало чого нового можна дізнатися про Юргена Клоппа.
Сама біографія Клоппа - це цитати із інтерв'ю та декілька слів знайомих та друзів тренера.
Здається, що автор цієї біографії хотів просто хайпанути і заробити грошей.
Сама біографія Клоппа - це цитати із інтерв'ю та декілька слів знайомих та друзів тренера.
Здається, що автор цієї біографії хотів просто хайпанути і заробити грошей.
September 24, 2019
Мисля, че избраният вчера за най-добър треньор на 2019, месията за всички фенове сега на Ливърпул, преди на Дортмунд, заслужава малко по-обстоен и добър анализ и разглеждане на характера на "the normal one". Иначе доста факти поднесени от негови приятели, журналисти, и тн. YNWA!
August 29, 2013
This is not much more than an addition of media coverage about Klopp. While reading, I had only one or two moments of good infotainment. Best part is the appendix with quotes from and about him.
December 31, 2016
Best book about leadership and discipline read this year.
May 27, 2017
A good book but wouldn't really class it is an autobiography. Full of spelling mistakes too!
January 12, 2019
Pretty dismayed at some of the spelling errors and there was even reference to Salah being bought in June 1917 and not 2017!!
December 24, 2020
I felt this book provided no real insight into Klopp as a person or anything that could not be researched online.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews