Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough believes Jurgen Klopp is the closest thing to Bill Shankly the Reds have had in the last few years.

Though the Reds finished eighth in the Premier League table in Klopp’s first season, many feel Liverpool are moving in the right direction under the German, which is evident in their performances in the League Cup and Europa League this season.




Klopp has managed to revitalise the club after Brendan Rodgers’ time came to an end in October last year, and Fairclough admits that he sees a bit of legendary Liverpool manager Shankly in the German.

He feels just like the former Liverpool boss, Klopp is a charismatic figure at Anfield and has the presence and the gravitas required to command the respect of his players, the same way Shankly did.
 


Fairclough said on LFC TV’s Thursday Night Show: “I have followed his career with interest and he is the nearest thing to Bill Shankly that we could ever sort of hope [for].  

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“The passion, the connection with the fans, and he has a real drive; and also when he speaks people listen, Shanks had that great talent. When Shanks spoke, nobody contradicted him.

“So Jurgen definitely has the charisma and the presence.”

Shankly won three league titles, two FA Cups and the first of Liverpool’s three UEFA Cups, in 1973, during his time at Anfield.