Chapter 4: Klopp's Vision and the Road Ahead
After the extensive discussions on sponsorships, technology upgrades, and infrastructure, Jürgen Klopp shifted the room's focus back to what mattered most—football.
Klopp leaned forward, his eyes scanning the faces of everyone in the room, including Azim, who sat not just as the club's owner but as a player—a key figure in both the business and sporting side of Liverpool FC.
"But let's talk football," Klopp began.
The room quieted, and Klopp's expression became serious. "At the end of the day, all of this—sponsorships, technology, upgrades to Anfield—it's important, yes. But what truly matters is what we do on the pitch. And for that, we need to be crystal clear about our style, our identity."
He paused for emphasis, locking eyes with Azim for a brief moment, acknowledging his dual role. "We are Liverpool. And Liverpool is about entertaining, attacking football. That's not going to change. We're going to play high-intensity, fast-paced football that gets the fans out of their seats. Our foundation is gegenpressing—high pressure, relentless energy. When we lose the ball, we hunt it down, and we win it back as quickly as possible."
Klopp's voice picked up energy as he spoke, the passion for his philosophy evident. "But it's not just about pressing. It's about what we do once we win the ball back. Fast counterattacks—using the pace of Salah and Mané to tear defenses apart. We're going to be aggressive, always looking to hurt teams when they're most vulnerable. Our transitions will be lightning quick."
He glanced at Azim again. "And that's where you come in. Azim, you're our striker, our goal-scorer. When we create chances, we need you to finish them. You'll be our focal point in attack."
Azim nodded, fully aware of the weight on his shoulders—not just as the club's owner, but as the one expected to lead the line and deliver on the pitch.
Klopp continued, "We'll also use our set pieces to full advantage. We've got big players—Virgil, Koulibaly, and of course, you, Azim. In the box, we'll be a threat from every corner, every free-kick. But more than that, we'll rely on our fullbacks—Trent and Andrew—to deliver pinpoint crosses from wide areas. The width they provide will be crucial to our attacking play."
He paused, letting his vision sink in, before addressing a key aspect of Liverpool's identity. "Now, about our youth players," Klopp said, his tone softening a bit. "This club has a proud tradition of developing young talent. And we're not about to stop. We have some incredible young players coming through the academy, and they deserve their chance."
At this, a director raised a hand, concern evident in their expression. "Jürgen, with all due respect, some of these kids are as young as 16 or 17. Don't you think it's too soon for them to be thrown into the first team? They don't have the experience yet."
Klopp smiled, already expecting this concern. "I understand where you're coming from, but age is just a number in football. Look at Trent, for example—he's 16 right now. Yes, he's unknown to the world, and none of these young players are recognized names yet. But I trust my instincts. I've seen their talent firsthand, and I believe they can handle the pressure. Football is about opportunity. If we never give these players a chance, how will we ever know how good they can be?"
He leaned forward, his tone more animated. "This is Liverpool. Our fans love nothing more than seeing a young player come through the ranks and succeed. It's part of our DNA. And when they see Trent and others step onto that pitch, playing with heart and pride, they'll be on their feet cheering."
The director hesitated but seemed to be coming around to Klopp's vision. "But aren't you worried about their maturity? Some might argue they're too raw."
Klopp shook his head. "That's where coaching comes in. We guide them, support them, and put them in the right environment to grow. Mistakes will happen, sure. But those mistakes will be learning experiences. The important thing is that we give them the platform to prove themselves."
Azim chimed in, supporting Klopp's stance. "We've got some incredible talent in the academy. I've been training with them, and they've got the potential to make an impact. Let's not judge them until we see them in action. We'll give them the opportunity in the friendlies we've scheduled."
Klopp nodded in agreement. "Exactly. We'll test them in the friendlies against Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich. Those are top clubs, and it will give us a real sense of how ready these young players are. If they can perform against the best, then they're ready for anything."
The room was quiet for a moment, as the directors mulled over the risk of integrating such young talent into the squad.
"And if they're not ready yet," Klopp continued, "we'll keep working with them. We're not building for just one season; we're building for the future. The fans will love seeing the next generation getting their chance."
A sense of agreement settled over the room, and Klopp shifted the focus to a subject that had been on everyone's mind—Steven Gerrard.
"I also want to talk about Gerrard," Klopp said, his voice taking on a more respectful tone. "Steven is a living legend. We all know that. He's given his heart and soul to this club. But his role on the pitch needs to change."
He paused, gauging the reactions around the room. "Gerrard won't be in the main squad. His best days as a player are behind him, and it's time we start looking to the future. But Steven still has so much to offer this club, just in a different capacity."
One of the directors raised an eyebrow. "What role are you suggesting?"
"I want him to act as a mentor," Klopp said. "There's no one better to guide our young players than Steven Gerrard. He knows this club inside out. He knows what it means to wear the Liverpool shirt and to carry the weight of expectation. He'll work closely with our academy players and the youngsters who are coming through to the first team."
The director seemed to accept this, but another question followed. "How do you think Gerrard will feel about this? Not being part of the main squad?"
Klopp smiled confidently. "I've thought about that. I'll sit down with him and explain the situation. Gerrard loves this club more than anything. He's always said he'd do whatever it takes to help Liverpool succeed. I believe he'll embrace this new role. He won't be leading on the pitch, but he'll be leading off it. His leadership and guidance will be invaluable."
Azim added, "And if Gerrard talks to the media about his new role and his continued love for the club, it'll send a powerful message to the fans. It'll show them that even though we're moving forward with new talent, we're still honoring the legacy that's been built here."
Klopp nodded. "Exactly. Gerrard is still the heart of this club, and his voice will resonate with the fans. They'll know that the new Liverpool is still connected to its roots."
Satisfied with this plan for Gerrard, Klopp moved on to the broader atmosphere within the club. "But it's not just about what happens on the pitch," he said. "We need to create the right environment off it as well. I want this club to feel like a family. That means everyone—from the players to the staff—should feel valued and appreciated."
He smiled as an idea came to him. "Let's organize a BBQ. Invite all the staff, the coaches, the medical team, and their families. We'll bring everyone together for an evening where we can relax and bond. That's how we'll build unity and create a winning mentality. When everyone feels part of something bigger, they give everything they've got."
Azim nodded in agreement. "I like that. It'll set the tone for the season. Everyone at Liverpool—whether they're a player, a coach, or part of the support staff—will feel like they belong to something special."
Klopp smiled. "That's the culture we're building. We win together, and we enjoy the journey together."
With the atmosphere and team unity addressed, Klopp turned his focus to the upcoming season. "Now, let's talk about the targets for 2014-15. We're going for everything—the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. There's no reason why we shouldn't be competing on all fronts. We've got the depth, the talent, and now, with all the infrastructure in place, we have everything we need to win."
He pulled up the squad list on the screen.
Main Squad (4-3-3 with CDM):
GK: David De Gea
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
LB: Andrew Robertson
CB: Virgil Van Dijk
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly
CDM: N'Golo Kanté
CM: Paul Pogba
CAM: Kevin De Bruyne
RW: Mohamed Salah
LW: Sadio Mané
ST: Abdul Azim
"This main squad is built for the biggest competitions—the Premier League and the Champions League," Klopp explained. "We've got a perfect blend of pace, power, and creativity. Salah and Mané will terrorize defenses with their speed, while De Bruyne and Pogba will pull the strings in midfield, creating chances and controlling the tempo."
He pointed to the defense. "With Van Dijk and Koulibaly at the back, we'll be solid and tough to break down. Trent and Chilwell will provide width, delivering crosses for Azim to finish. N'Golo Kanté will be the engine, covering every blade of grass, winning tackles, and protecting the backline."
Klopp looked at Azim again, a grin forming. "And you, Azim—you're the key up front. You'll be leading the line, scoring goals, and making sure we take our chances. This squad is built to dominate in both England and Europe."
He let that sink in for a moment before switching to the second squad.
Second Squad (4-3-3 with False 9):
GK: Simon Mignolet
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
LB: James Milner
CB: Martin Skrtel
CB: Mamadou Sakho
CM: Steven Gerrard
CM: Jordan Henderson
CM: Philippe Coutinho
RW: Divock Origi
LW: Raheem Sterling
ST: Roberto Firmino
"This second squad will focus on the domestic cups—the FA Cup and League Cup," Klopp continued. "But make no mistake, these players are just as important. We've got Gerrard, Henderson, and Milner providing leadership and experience, while Sterling and Origi will bring the energy and flair. Coutinho will unlock defenses with his creativity, and Firmino, playing as a false nine, will drop deep to link up play and create space for the others."
Klopp scanned the room, knowing some were still skeptical about relying on youth and rotation players. "This second squad is capable of winning the FA Cup and League Cup. They'll be crucial in our push for silverware. We're not putting all the pressure on the first eleven. The second squad will carry their weight, and with their experience mixed with the younger players, they'll surprise a lot of people."
Azim, who had been quietly observing, nodded in agreement. "It's about using the squad depth intelligently. We don't need to rely on the same players for every competition. This way, we can keep everyone fresh and maintain our intensity across all competitions."
Klopp smiled, clearly on the same page. "Exactly. By managing the squads this way, we reduce the risk of burnout, especially in the big competitions. The younger players will get their chances in the domestic cups, and if they impress, they'll earn more minutes in the Premier League and Champions League."
One of the directors, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward and addressed Klopp. "Jürgen, we understand the plan for the squads, but there's still concern about the youth players. You're talking about integrating players who are between 16 and 24 years old into these high-stakes matches. Are you sure that's a risk we should be taking?"
Klopp didn't hesitate. "Yes, I'm sure. I believe in these players. No one knows who they are yet, but I trust my instincts. The likes of Trent, Sterling, and others—they're hungry. They're talented. And they'll give everything for the badge. The fans will get behind them, especially when they see how much effort they're putting in."
He leaned forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Football is about more than just experience. It's about heart, desire, and the ability to rise to the occasion. We'll test these youngsters in the upcoming friendlies against Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich. These are the toughest teams in Europe, and it will show us exactly how ready they are."
Azim added his voice to the discussion. "We've scheduled these friendlies to push our players—both the experienced and the young. We'll see how they handle the pressure of playing against the best in the world. And based on that, we'll make decisions about their roles moving forward."
The director seemed to consider this, then nodded. "Alright. Let's see how they perform in the friendlies. But we'll be keeping a close eye on this. The stakes are high."
Klopp smiled, understanding the concern but remaining confident in his approach. "I wouldn't have it any other way. We're aiming for greatness this season, and we need everyone—young and old—working together to make that happen."
He stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "We've got the talent, the depth, and the infrastructure to make this a special season. Our targets are clear: Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup. We're going for everything."
Klopp turned to Azim, who stood up as well. "As both owner and player, I'm confident you'll lead us on the pitch. Your goals will be key to our success, but more than that, your leadership will inspire the team."
Azim smiled, shaking Klopp's hand. "We've laid the foundation. Now it's time to show the world what Liverpool FC is truly capable of."
With that, the meeting concluded, leaving everyone in the room with a sense of purpose and excitement. The future was clear, and Liverpool FC was ready to embark on a season that promised to be one of the most memorable in the club's illustrious history.
The first real test would come soon, with the friendlies against Europe's elite. But there was no doubt in anyone's mind—Liverpool FC, under Klopp's leadership and Azim's dual role, was prepared to challenge for every major trophy.