9 players who flopped after leaving Jurgen Klopp

Under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance, many players have departed clubs with lofty aspirations in the footballing world. However, their journeys haven’t always unfolded as expected.

HIGHLIGHTS.

• Mario Gotze experienced a downturn in his career after departing Borussia Dortmund and Jurgen Klopp for Bayern Munich, underscoring the significance of Klopp’s guidance.
• Philippe Coutinho’s decision to move to Barcelona turned out to be regrettable as his performances declined compared to his time under Klopp at Liverpool.
• Georginio Wijnaldum encountered challenges after leaving Liverpool, undergoing multiple transfers and witnessing a decline in performance, highlighting Klopp’s influence on his success.

Over his tenure at Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Mainz 05, Jurgen Klopp has managed over 1000 senior games, showcasing his adeptness at knowing when to sell certain players for optimal team performance. As news emerges of his impending departure from Liverpool after the 2023/24 season, it’s timely to reflect on his career, as the Reds face uncertainty without his charismatic leadership.

Mario Gotze

Borussia Dormund to Bayern Munich

Mario Gotze, once considered one of Europe’s brightest talents, made a high-profile move to Bayern Munich in 2013, leaving behind Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund. However, his time at Bayern didn’t live up to expectations, and he eventually returned to Dortmund after a disappointing spell. Despite subsequent stints at PSV Eindhoven and Eintracht Frankfurt, Gotze never quite replicated his earlier success under Klopp’s guidance.

Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool to Barcelona

While Philippe Coutinho initially thrived under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, it was Jurgen Klopp who truly elevated his game to world-class status. Despite Klopp’s warnings against leaving, Coutinho was lured by the prospect of Barcelona’s colors. Klopp’s words, “Stay here and they will end up building a statue in your honour,” went unheeded. Coutinho’s move turned sour, but Liverpool benefited greatly from the £142m transfer fee, using it to secure key signings like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.

Georginio Wijnaldum

Liverpool to Paris Saint-Germain

Georginio Wijnaldum played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s successful spell under Jurgen Klopp, notably scoring crucial goals in the memorable comeback against Barcelona. Despite his contributions, Wijnaldum departed for Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expired. However, his time in France proved challenging, leading to a loan spell at Roma and a subsequent permanent move to Al-Ettifaq in 2023, where he briefly reunited with former teammate Jordan Henderson.

Emre Can

Liverpool to Juventus

Emre Can’s decision to leave Liverpool for Juventus seemed promising at first, but it quickly turned sour as he struggled to make an impact in Italy. His subsequent move to Borussia Dortmund has seen an improvement in his fortunes, even earning him the captain’s armband. However, looking back, it’s likely Can would choose to stay with Klopp at Liverpool if given the chance, considering the success the club achieved in his absence.

Jordan Henderson

Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq

Jordan Henderson’s abilities were often underestimated during his Liverpool days, but as Klopp’s reliable captain, he achieved significant success with the Reds. However, skeptics might have felt vindicated after witnessing his struggles in Saudi Arabia.

In the heat and humidity of the Middle East, Henderson seemed out of his element during his brief stint at Al-Ettifaq. Unhappy with the playing conditions and lifestyle adjustments, including sparse attendance at matches, he opted to move to Ajax shortly after.