What Jürgen Klopp could learn from Gerard Houllier’s summer window in 1999
Jurgen Klopp is facing his first major squad reshuffle at Liverpool, possibly of his career in general, and could do a lot worse than learn from the decisions of one of his predecessors.
The late Gerard Houllier took
over as chief executive of Anfield following the departure of assistant manager Roy Evans in November 1998.
There was no transfer window back then. August 31 was just a day on the calendar and not the colorful and sometimes boring TV sideshow that it has become.
Although he was free to bolster the roster whenever he deemed it necessary, Houllier instead opted to hold his cards and wait until the end of the season to conduct the required main operation. The current Liverpool manager hasn’t had such a luxury for 24 years and I dare say he would have dived into the transfer market several times last season given the chance, but there are some noticeable similarities between the two managers’ jobs.
Saturday 26th April 2003: Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier pictured against West Bromwich Albion during their Premiership match at the Hawthorns. (Photo of David the time of being a Liverpool fan and an era in which the team’s true potential was immeasurable.
Steve McManaman’s free transfer to Real Madrid was a major blow to kick off the summer, but the Reds still had plenty of young talent behind the scenes.
Robbie Fowler had just scored 18 goals in 35 appearances and Steven Gerrard was poised to become arguably the best player the club has ever seen. Houllier’s problem was that his team lacked muscle memory. By Liverpool’s standards, the 1990s was a dry spell that saw just two domestic cups following their 18th league title in 1990.
To counter this, the Frenchman has called up Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz to strengthen the backline, alongside goalkeeper Sander Westerveld and Germany international midfielder Didi Hamann.
Emile Heskey and Vladimir Smicer were also brought in to give Liverpool some extra firepower, along with Titi Camara and Erik Meijer for depth, but the real improvements came with the increased defensive solidity.
There were no cutlery, but the progress was palpable and the fruits of Houllier’s labor were not far around the corner. For twenty-four years running, the club has found itself at a crossroads and at a point where decisions made in the coming weeks could have huge implications for the seasons to come.
In a way, of course, that’s what the Reds are starting to lose today.
Every year, more and more players who were part of the winning team leave Anfield and the experience that comes with that medal is nearly impossible to replace.
The late Gerard Houllier took over all the reins at Anfield following the departure of equivalent co-manager Roy Evans in November
While having the freedom to bolster the team whenever he wanted, Houllier chose to stand his cards and wait until after the season to perform much-needed head surgery.
The current Liverpool manager hasn’t had such a luxury for 24 years and I dare say he would have dived into the transfer market several times last season given the chance, but there are some noticeable similarities between the two managers’ jobs. On the face of it, it was an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan and a time when the team’s true potential was immeasurable.
Robbie Fowler had just scored 18 goals in 35 games and Steven Gerrard was set to become arguably the greatest player the club had ever seen.
Houllier’s problem was that his team lacked muscle memory. By Liverpool standards, the 1990s were a dry spell, with just two domestic trophies after their 18th league title in 1990.
Liverpool’s Sami Hyypia (l) and Stephane Henchoz (r)
To counter this, the Frenchman brought in Sami Hyypia and Stéphane Henchoz to strengthen the back line, as well as goalkeeper Sander Westerveld and German international midfielder Didi Hamann. Emile Heskey and Vladimir Smicer were also brought in to give Liverpool some extra firepower, along with Titi Camara and Erik Meijer for depth, but the real improvements came with the increased defensive solidity.
There were no cutlery, but the progress was palpable and the fruits of Houllier’s labor were not far around the corner.
Sunday 28th May 2023: Liverpool’s James Milner applauds the traveling fans after playing his last game for the club during the FA Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary’s Stadium. The match ended in a 4-4 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
For twenty-four years running, the club has found itself at a crossroads and at a point where decisions made in the coming weeks could have huge implications for the seasons to come. The summer of 1999 was crucial in laying the groundwork for this, adding experienced players with know-how and letting that feeling shine through the day.
Every year more and more of the players who were part of the team that won it all bid farewell to Anfield and the expertise that comes with that medal is hard to replace.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Monday, February 24, 2020: Sadio Mane of Liverpool celebrates with Georginio Wijnaldum during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United
James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum were among those to contribute to the club’s most decorated period in modern times. Others will follow next summer.
Liverpool were quick to act to address the deficits created by signing just one senior midfielder in four seasons, signing Alexis Mac Allister after just 11 days. In a way, it was the perfect answer.
The midfielder had a huge reputation after winning the World Cup with Argentina in December and at just 24, Klopp didn’t have to compromise on the age profile to find a finished winner.
