Five reasons why Liverpool are better off with Klopp over Rodgers despite the statistics
4. Klopp’s transfer record
Simply no comparison in terms of transfers.
In Brendan Rodgers’s first three transfer summer windows, only a handful of his signings proved to be a success. Other than Sturridge, Coutinho, Sakho, Emre Can, and Adam Lallana, none of Rodgers’s major signings offered much to the side, and only after the Irishman’s departure did the displays of Lallana and Can garner praise.
The majority of Rodgers’ signings ended up quite underwhelming. Fabio Borini ended up with only two Premier League goals, while the following summer neither the loan signing of Victor Moses nor Tiago Ilori yielded much success. The latter did not even make a single league appearance in his time at the club.
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Liverpool’s transfer activity the following summer was an absolute disaster. Over $80 million was invested in the likes of Lazar Markovic, Alberto Moreno, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, and Mario Balotelli. Lambert and Balotelli moved on after just one season, while Markovic has made no competitive appearances since and Moreno and Lovren’s errors continue to interfere with Liverpool’s results.
Klopp’s record, on the other hand, is far stronger. Most of his decisions in the transfer market have produced positive results. Wijnaldum, Mane, and so far Mo Salah have all rewarded Klopp’s confidence in them. At the other end of the pitch, Matip has not been brilliant or the solution to Liverpool’s defensive troubles, but he has been solid.
While Grujic, Solanke, and Klavan have done little to improve the side, none have been poor signings either. Only the $40 million payment for Alex Oxlade Chamberlain seems to have been a poor decision, but the midfielder is not even halfway through his first season at the club.
In terms of sales, Klopp’s stance and firmness have been crucial to the consistency of his side’s performances throughout multiple season. Despite Barcelona’s high offers for Coutinho, Klopp insistence on Liverpool’s refusal to sell has ensured that his side maintain their star players for as long as possible. Should such an approach continue, the loss of talent will be minimal.
Rodgers, however, oversaw the transfers of two of the best players in his era, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling. His side never recovered from Suarez’s exit, and before they could, Sterling was out the door as well.