Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp takes leaf out of Emery’s book with announcement

Klopp explains decision to make Trent Liverpool's vice-captain

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp knew that the departure of Jordan Henderson would leave him with a void to fill as the captain made his way to Saudi Arabia to join Al Ettifaq. But the physical absence of Henderson might not be as important as the mental side on the squad, with Klopp needing to appoint a new leader to guide the squad on and off the pitch. Instead, he has taken a leaf out of Unai Emery’s management book in picking a new captain.

Henderson had been Liverpool’s long-time captain for the best part of eight years after being handed the honour by Brendan Rodgers. Klopp saw no need to change when he took over in 2015 and his faith paid dividends, with the pair winning nearly every trophy available to them including the Premier League and Champions League.

Still, his departure had left a vacuum for the Reds to fill with a successor to be appointed.

Virgil van Dijk always looked like the favourite due to the Dutchman’s quality, popularity and close relationship with Klopp, and it was no surprise to see him announced as their new skipper. Trent Alexander-Arnold will assume the role of vice-captain given his vast experience and impressive fitness levels, which means he will play almost every game and therefore support Van Dijk when on the pitch.

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Along with Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Allison Becker and Mohamed Salah are also believed to be part of the ‘leadership group’ at Anfield due to their seniority and importance.

It’s far from an original idea, though, as Klopp has followed in Emery’s footsteps by choosing to focus on a group of leaders instead of one central figure to motivate the team.

While several other clubs will have a captain and vice-captain, assembling a group of leaders gives Klopp a chance to put the responsibility onto the players.

And the German explained the reasoning behind his decision after losing two senior members in Henderson and James Milner.

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“So, the thing is that the leadership group is Virgil, Trent, Robbo, Ali and Mo, and they all have, like, captain’s potential,” Klopp told club media.

“So it’s not that I now sat there and had to make a decision against somebody. I just had to make sure that we make the right decision, and these five players will have a massive role.

“The vice-captaincy, I just think Trent is ready. He is our Scouser, he is playing for me pretty much since the beginning, if not then half a year later he was with us. He improved, he developed as a player and as a person massively.”

It is an idea that Emery developed at Arsenal, choosing Laurent Koscielny as his captain and picking Petr Cech, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka as his ‘other captains’.

The 23/24 home shirt for Liverpool pays homage to the past of the club, as well as collaborator Nike, with a strong 1970s influence. The iconic red, capped with bold white cuffs and collar really does invoke that classic Liverpool FC style while adding a cool retro touch

There was a hierarchy involved, so if one player was out injured, the next would assume the responsibilities. But it gives some authority to the playing squad to make decisions and inspire their team-mates while the manager focuses on the tactical aspect.

At the time, Emery was heavily criticised for the idea as it was a fairly new concept, with some believing it could be giving too much power to the players and possibly leading to a revolt. Sure enough, Emery did lose the dressing room at Arsenal and was sacked after just 18 months in charge. But the fact that Klopp has taken a leaf out of his book shows it soon could become more commonplace.

Either way, with the captaincy question now resolved, Klopp can look forward to preparing his side to face Chelsea on August 13.

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