Jurgen Klopp blames Leicester City hero for Liverpool’s title shot

As Jurgen Klopp prepares to step down as Liverpool manager, his legacy at Anfield is secure, marked by a glittering string of trophies and unforgettable moments.

Nine years into Klopp’s tenure, Liverpool have won the Champions League, the FA Cup and ended a 30-year wait for a Premier League title. However, as he jokingly reflects on his time with the Reds, one bittersweet memory stands out: the 2018/2019 Premier League season.

In a candid interview with The Redmen TV, Klopp humorously recounted how Brendan Rodgers, James Maddison and Leicester City indirectly thwarted his quest for a second Premier League title. The memory recalls a dramatic end to the season when Liverpool and Manchester City were locked in a bitter title battle.

Heading into the final week of the 2018/2019 season, Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table. However, Manchester City had a game in hand against Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium. The tension was palpable, with Klopp and Liverpool fans watching the match closely, hoping for an upset by Leicester that could give Liverpool the edge.

Leicester, led by former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, kept Manchester City at bay for 70 minutes. The Foxes even had a golden opportunity to equalize through Kelechi Iheanacho late in the game. But it was Vincent Kompany’s stunning long-range strike that broke the deadlock, securing a crucial 1-0 win for City.

Jurgen Klopp recalls Manchester City’s crucial win over Leicester

This win allowed City to maintain their momentum and ultimately win the title this past weekend.

Klopp humorously recalled his emotional turmoil during that match: “The moment Vincent Kompany shoots the ball there, I’m very happy I didn’t have a stroke at that moment. That’s how it must feel. I remember exactly how I was lying on the couch. I was watching and thinking: ‘Maddison, Maddison, lock him, lock him!’ I haven’t liked Maddison since then.”

The joking tone of Klopp’s reflection belies the intense emotions of the period. Despite Liverpool collecting a remarkable 97 points that season, they finished second behind Manchester City by just one point. The missed opportunity for a second league title remains a poignant chapter in Klopp’s otherwise illustrious reign.