Liverpool fans will be “feeling euphoric” after manager Jurgen Klopp signed a contract extension until 2026.
That’s the view of Peter Hooton, who spoke to Merseysportlive after Klopp agreed to extend his stay at Anfield to beyond a decade.
Spirit of Shankly’s Hooton – author of The Boot Room Boys – described why he thinks Klopp has endeared himself so successfully to the club’s supporters.
“He’s taken the city to his heart hasn’t he,” he said.
“And I think he has become an adopted Scouser, like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.”
Hooton drew further comparisons with club legend Shankly in hailing Klopp as “the nearest thing I think we’ve had to the great man himself”.
Two of the club’s more recent signings have been Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz, who both played starring roles in the victory over Villarreal on Wednesday.
Hooton said the club would not be able to attract these players without the presence of Klopp at the helm.
“The football we’re playing and the actual players that are coming to the club, I mean Thiago’s a joy to watch and Diaz is a world class player.
“And they’re all coming because of – obviously the backroom staff and the recruitment – but I think because of Klopp’s personality.
“People want to come and play for Klopp and who can blame them you know?”
Hooton summarised the “feeling of euphoria” in the Liverpool fanbase, saying “for him to sign an extension, after Villarreal victory as well, it’s the icing on the cake”.
(Featured image courtesy of Ant Stonelake)
