John Giles believes Jurgen Klopp has built a foundation at Liverpool that could dominate English football for the foreseeable future.
Giles joined Off The Ball to discuss the legacy Klopp and his team are building at Liverpool, as well as what next season holds after clinching the league last Thursday for the first time since 1990.
“I think Klopp’s done a great job. It took him two or three years to do it because when he went into Liverpool there was a lot to be done and he did it like all the great managers do, a little brick at a time.”
“Klopp has built the foundations of a dynasty.”
The former Republic of Ireland manager draws parallels between this Liverpool side and Sir Alex Ferguson’s great Manchester United teams in rebuilding the club from the ground up.
“He has made a foundation now to build a dynasty like Manchester United did.”
Giles also spoke about the strong mentality it takes to win a league, believing Liverpool were possibly hungrier than Manchester City this season due to coming so close last campaign.
“The mentality you have in the last eight to ten matches is totally different to the mentality you have at the start of the season. In Manchester City’s case, going for the title last season, their mentality was brilliant.
“I think you’re inclined to take a little bit of a rest, mentally, where Liverpool didn’t win it so they were hungry to go for it again at the start of the season. I think Liverpool will be hungry enough to start again next season.
“It hasn’t been a normal season. Liverpool already had this won before we had this break, so I think that is to their advantage, psychologically, starting next season which won’t be too far away anyway.”
John Giles on City
Giles also discussed where Manchester City need to improve if they wish to compete with Liverpool next season, pointing out the fact they have lost eight matches this season and that Vincent Kompany was never fully replaced.
“Kompany retired last season who was their best defender by a mile, and he hasn’t been replaced, so I think Manchester City need two top-class defenders.
“I’m surprised at Guardiola because he had the opportunity to buy Maguire, he had the opportunity to buy Van Dijk at one stage. I thought he would’ve spent everything to get Maguire.
“If they don’t get two good defenders, they’ll be behind Liverpool again because I can’t see Liverpool slowing up.”
“I’ll put Liverpool as big favourites going into the season next season. I think Liverpool are on their way unless something really dreadful happens to them. The only thing that could stop them is the power of money in big clubs is more available now than ever before.”
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