Jurgen Klopp reveals 2 stars granted 'special privileges' at Liverpool

Coach Jurgen Klopp recently openly discussed his approach to managing people, a key factor considered the secret behind building a successful and cohesive Liverpool team over nearly a decade.

During a recent conversation on the podcast Diary of a CEO, when asked if there were any players in the squad he felt needed to be “treated differently” to bring out their best, Jurgen Klopp immediately mentioned Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, the two main attacking stars during Liverpool’s peak period.

“Of course, Sadio and Mo are prime examples,” Klopp said. “We always knew they were great talents with huge potential, but they weren’t yet the legendary players they later became. For a team to succeed, you need stability, and to achieve that, you must organize collective play and defense.”

The German strategist explained that the flexibility in how he treated these two players helped him maintain a balance between discipline and respect in the locker room. “They are not the best defenders, yet they are crucial links in Liverpool’s famous pressing style. Later, when they started defending a bit less, I had to ask myself: Should I demand they run, close down, and fight like the younger players? And the answer was no. At that point, you can’t treat them the same way.”

Klopp also recalled the famous clash with Salah during the match against West Ham in May 2024, a moment that caused a media stir when they argued loudly on the sidelines.

“That was the only time Mo and I really had a dispute,” Klopp admitted. “He was unhappy about not starting, and when I brought him on in the 79th minute, things exploded right in front of the cameras. But actually, it wasn’t a major issue. We just disagreed at that moment.”

The former Liverpool boss said that his relationship with Salah remains very good: “The next day, I spoke with Mo again. I always try to show respect, and I think we understood each other. Sometimes, even if you do everything right, it’s not enough, but the important thing is learning to accept and move forward.”

Klopp’s comments reaffirm that he is not only a tactical genius but also a subtle leader who knows how to maximize players’ psychology. This has helped him lead Liverpool to their greatest glories, from the 2019 Champions League title to the 2020 Premier League crown, leaving a memorable legacy at Anfield.