Rodgers v Klopp: Starts compared

Jurgen Klopp celebrates a year in charge of Liverpool on Saturday, but how does the German’s first 12 months at Anfield compare to predecessor Brendan Rodgers’ debut year at the club?

Klopp replaced Rodgers as manager on October 8 2015 with the Reds sitting 10th in the table after winning just three of their opening eight Premier League games.

Meanwhile, Rodgers had taken over in the summer of 2012 following the departure of previous boss Kenny Dalglish meaning that, unlike Klopp, the Northern Irishman had a whole pre-season in which to prepare for his first campaign on Merseyside.

But how do the two coaches’ inaugural campaigns at Liverpool compare when broken down?

Drawing a blank on debut

Rodgers’ Reds reign began disastrously with a 3-0 thumping at West Brom on August 18 2012, a loss not helped by Daniel Agger’s second-half sending-off.

Klopp’s new players also failed to score in his first match at the helm, although at least Liverpool managed to avoid defeat after a creditable goalless draw at Tottenham.

Tough baptism for Rodgers

Rodgers faced Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United in three of his next four encounters, a trio of early-season fixtures that yielded just a solitary point from the first of those contests.

In fact, it took Rodgers until his sixth game to record his first league win, a Luis Suarez-inspired 5-2 rout of Norwich City at Carrow Road which lifted Liverpool out of the relegation zone.

Klopp’s early statements

In contrast, Klopp went unbeaten in his first six matches across three competitions, including a come-from-behind 3-1 victory at then champions Chelsea.

And two league games later came an equally impressive 4-1 demolition of title favourites City at the Etihad that raised eyebrows across the Premier League.

Initial struggles at home

Both men, however, had to wait before collecting their first top-flight wins at Anfield, with Rodgers taking until his fifth home match against Reading and Klopp his third versus Swansea City.

Inconsistent Reds

The early phases of Rodgers and Klopp’s tenures were marked by inconsistent league form, with the former sitting just four points above the drop zone after winning just once in the whole of November, although that alarming run did include an impressive draw at Chelsea.

The German, meanwhile, saw his new charges follow …

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