James Milner reveals the truth behind his “clashes” with Jurgen Klopp and how they built a “special” era at Liverpool from the rubble of 2015.
James Milner arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2015 on a free transfer from Manchester City, a move that would prove to be one of the most astute pieces of business in Liverpool’s modern history.
He joined a club in transition the previous season had been disastrous, ending in a sixth-place finish and the emotional departure of legendary captain Steven Gerrard.
Milner brought a proven winner’s mentality to a squad lacking direction. However, the real catalyst for change arrived just months later: Jurgen Klopp.
Together, the veteran midfielder and the charismatic German manager would oversee a period of unprecedented success, though their shared intensity occasionally led to fireworks.
Milner joined the Reds in the summer of 2015, with Klopp arriving just a few months later following Brendan Rodgers’ departure. During their time at the club, they went on to create many magical moments and lift several trophies.
The current Brighton midfielder broke the all-time Premier League appearances record in February, when, in an interview with ESPN, Klopp claimed the success at Anfield wouldn’t have been possible without Milner.
Milner & Klopp’s relationship
With the 40-year-old’s experience in the league, he has played under many legendary managers such as Terry Venables and Sir Bobby Robson, whom Milner also expressed gratitude towards.
Milner joined Liverpool at 29, and despite already having over a decade of Premier League experience, he credits Klopp with helping him reach another level.
“All around, I’d have to say Jurgen in terms of as a man and as a character. How he improved me, what I learnt from him.”
The midfielder was the Reds’ vice-captain under Klopp, and he played a pivotal role alongside Jordan Henderson as a leadership group to help the Merseyside outfit lift the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.
Milner believes the relationship he had with the 58-year-old was also important to making sure success was achieved at the club.
“The relationship we had in terms of being able to say exactly what we thought and be taken in the right way and know that we were both 100% in everything.”
He continued.
“99% of the time he got it right, didn’t he. So, yeah, I think as an all-round manager. I think he was high-level.”
Liverpool’s turning point
Both individuals joined the club in 2015, which is a significant moment in the club’s history.
The season prior, the Anfield outfit had a disastrous season as they finished sixth in the league, and their legendary captain, Steven Gerrard, announced he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Milner’s arrival was as successful as the club signed him on a free from Manchester City, where he had experience of winning major trophies.
Klopp’s introduction took this a step further, as there was a real belief in Anfield again that something special could be on the horizon, and Milner highlighted this.
“When he came in at Liverpool, we weren’t by any means the favourites in the Premier League to win anything, so what he built there was special.”
Their impact on Liverpool’s renaissance in a highly competitive era can’t be overstated, with Milner and Klopp playing key roles in bringing glory days back to Anfield.
