Josh Barker: How Erik ten Hag could have ruined Jurgen Klopp’s final Liverpool season

Jurgen Klopp announced in late January that he will leave his post as Liverpool manager at the end of the 2023/24 season.

“I told the club already in November,” said Klopp when announcing his decision to depart. “I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it - or at least try to explain it.

“I love absolutely everything about this club, I love everything about the city, I love everything about our supporters, I love the team, I love the staff. I love everything. But that I still take this decision shows you that I am convinced it is the one I have to take.

“It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now. I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.”

The Reds have won seven major trophies under the German’s guidance, including their first-ever Premier League title in 2020 and a 6th Champions League crown in 2019.

Following Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool, there was much optimism from fans that the Reds could make history in 2023/24 by winning a quadruple or at least win some form of treble.

Things got off to a bright start on that front in late February when an injury-hit Liverpool bested Chelsea in the League Cup final to claim their first piece of silverware this year.

Since then, though, Klopp’s hopes of a quadruple have ended, while their treble chances have also taken a hit. For the most part, Liverpool have been in superb form in 2024 but one team have caused them major issues. That club is, of course, their bitter rivals, Manchester United.

The two English powerhouses faced off in an FA Cup quarter-final meeting on March 17. Liverpool were favourites for the game despite their ongoing injury issues, with Manchester United far from their best in 2024. However, when all was said and done in the cup clash, Erik ten Hag’s side came away with a 4-3 win after Amad Diallo scored a 12st-minute winner before being sent off for his ensuing celebration.

Despite United taking the quarter-final to extra time and eventually coming out on top, those who watched the game will be well aware Liverpool should have won the meeting given the number of chances they had.

Now, after ending Liverpool’s quadruple chances, Manchester United have dented Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of securing the Premier League title in his final season at the club.

The duo faced off in the league this past weekend and, much like in the FA Cup fixture, it was Liverpool who dominated.

Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez all missed major chances at Old Trafford, which would eventually come back to bite Liverpool. After peppering the Red Devils’ goal a great deal in the early stages, Diaz put Liverpool 1-0 up after 23 minutes.

Klopp’s side then had a number of opportunities to extend their lead before half-time but failed to do so. Then, completely against the run of play, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo fired Ten Hag and co. in front with 23 minutes left on the clock. A Mohamed Salah penalty salvaged a draw for Liverpool on Sunday but that result may prove costly in the title race.

Liverpool have slipped down to 2nd in the Premier League table, behind an Arsenal side who are unbeaten in 2024 and have conceded just three goals in their last nine league outings.

While a lot can still happen between now and the conclusion of the campaign, it does look as though Erik ten Hag has dealt a major blow to what was supposed to be a fairytale ending for Jurgen Klopp.

The Manchester United boss has been heavily criticised for the job he has done this season, with the club currently sat 6th in the Premier League. However, his record against Klopp is very impressive, picking up three wins, two draws and just one loss vs the German during his time in England.

And though Manchester United fans will probably be glad to see the back of Erik ten Hag, they will no doubt be pleased with the former Ajax boss potentially ruining Klopp’s final season at Liverpool.