October 15, 2010

London, England. The celebrations had begun. The long and torturous process of wresting control of Liverpool Football Club from the paralysing grip of Tom Hicks and George Gillett was complete.

Just hours from administration and potential financial ruin, a bitter court battle across two continents fell in the favour of New England Sports Ventures, a Boston-based group which would soon be known as Fenway Sports Group.

The struggles under Hicks and Gillett are well-told, well-documented and, now, well forgotten. The end result is what mattered most. Sir Martin Broughton, the club's chairman at the time, stood triumphant on the steps of the High Court in London. John W Henry, the new owner of Liverpool, talking to the heaving press scrum, no more than 350 yards from the Barbican, a site which has hosted drama like this for centuries.

"I am proud and humbled," said Henry, best-known at this point for his ownership of baseball franchise Boston Red Sox. "I can't tell you how happy I am. We're here to win."

"We regard our role as that of stewards for the club with a primary focus on returning the club to greatness on and off the field for the long-term.”

All's well that ends well. Now, it was time for the latest Act in the club's history.

There was work to do, and plenty of it. A club which had come within two points of the Premier League title less than 18 months ago now sat in the relegation zone, with six points from seven games. An alarming erosion, of both identity and ability from the playing staff, was under way.

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That Henry and chairman Tom Werner watched on at Goodison as Everton completed a routine 2-0 win over Liverpool two days later, which put the Reds 19th, made that even clearer.

Cologne, Germany. Just over 375 miles away, the celebrations begun, and continued into the night. This was another last-minute victory, but one which happened on the pitch.

In a corner of the RhineEnergieStadion, Jurgen Klopp served as conductor, as he had done for the 90 minutes previous. "Spitzenreiter, Spitzenreiter, hey, hey, hey,” came the cry from the travelling support; Spitzenreiter, best translated as 'table-topper', was the only word. Nuri Sahin's stoppage time goal sealed Borussia Dortmund's 2-1 triumph over FC Koln, and placed them at the Bundesliga summit for the first time since Klopp took charge in 2008.

Their ascension was surprising to outsiders, given their own dalliance with administration in the mid-2000s, but less so those close to the club. After two seasons of progress, Klopp had cultivated a positive mentality at Westfalenstadion, and harnessed a real togetherness both in the squad and in the stands.

The scenes which greeted Sahin's late goal in Cologne proved testament to that.

A draw with Hoffenheim the following week would move them to second, before a win against former club Mainz – league leaders at the time – restored their superiority at the top.

It was a position they would not relinquish for the rest of the campaign.

(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

November 2010

Liverpool, England. Work had started on rebuilding Liverpool, both on and off the pitch, with the Hicks and Gillett hangover lingering. Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano had been replaced with Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen; big contracts had been handed to Joe Cole and Milan Jovanovic, aged 28 and 29, to demonstrate the short-termism which had engulfed Anfield.

FSG wanted longevity and value for money. The concept of 'Moneyball', which had been implemented with great success in baseball, became popular within the corridors of Anfield.

Damien Comolli was hired to oversee this change. Credited with good work at both Arsenal and Tottenham, the Frenchman arrived as director of football strategy.

Hannover, Germany. If Liverpool needed inspiration on how to rebuild, and wanted evidence it was possible, Dortmund were providing it. Still top of the Bundesliga, BVB annihilated Hannover. The four goalscorers cost a combined £10million; Shinji Kagawa and Robert Lewandowski, who arrived to the club under Klopp, had been plucked from Japan's second-tier and the Polish top flight.

January 2011

Liverpool, England. The upturn in form is neither quick nor sustainable under Roy Hodgson. Six wins in 12 league games was not enough to save his job, with a 3-1 humbling at Blackburn proving to be his final act. Six of his starting line-up were aged 28 or over, with another three on the bench. No sooner has news broken of the Londoner's departure and Kenny Dalglish, whose name had been chanted by the support in previous weeks, is moved into the dugout.

The revolving door speeds up as the month draws to a close, with FSG's first transfer window at Anfield. Both Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll arrived, the latter for a record £35million fee, but the club decided to cash in on Fernando Torres in a £50million deal. Little was known of Suarez, other than his nibbles and naughtiness at Ajax, but the capture of Carroll raised eyebrows; it was a deal seemingly in conflict with their value-first philosophy.

April 2011

Dortmund, Germany. Klopp, and Dortmund, catapult into the public consciousness. A 2-0 win at home to Nuremburg saw them lift the Bundesliga for the first time since 2002. Unknown and unfancied at the start of the campaign, Klopp had become one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, with his enthusiasm on the sideline accompanied with intelligent tactics and a non-stop pressing game.

Liverpool were undergoing a revival of their own, meanwhile. A day after Dortmund's title win, Dalglish leads his side to a 3-0 victory over Newcastle, their ninth victory in 13 league games. Up into fifth, but eventually finishing sixth, the Scot is handed a permanent three-year deal at the end of the season.

(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Summer 2011

Liverpool, England. FSG approach their first summer transfer window with an analytical eye, but one which underwhelms both supporters and observers. Stewart Downing arrived for £20million, his crossing ability marking him out as a must-buy; Jordan Henderson was another high-profile signing, with his chance creation seen as a stand out.

The intent from the American owners was clear in their quest to close the gap between Liverpool and the top four. The outlay of £60million was in stark contrast to Bundesliga champions Dortmund, who spend no more than £10million, with Ilkay Gundogan and Ivan Perisic making up most of that.

The sale of Nuri Sahin, to Real Madrid, sees the Westfalenstadion club turn in a profit for the summer. Tellingly, both clubs' dealings focus on youth – something Dortmund have benefited from, and Liverpool hope for.

Their signings average around 22 years old.

September 18, 2011

London, England. A damaging defeat, a difficult start. A second consecutive Premier League loss, this time 4-0 to Tottenham, raises fears over the summer business. Charlie Adam, who arrived from Blackpool, is sent off for nine-man Liverpool, who also have Martin Skrtel see red. Eight of those brought to the club since FSG took ownership are involved in the Reds' heaviest defeat to Spurs since 1963.

Hannover, Germany. A damaging defeat, a difficult start. Klopp's champions are marked men and succumb to their third defeat in the opening six league games. Two goals in the final three minutes condemn Dortmund to defeat in the same stadium of their thrilling 4-0 win 10 months previous. Fears over Gundogan's ability to replace Sahin are heightened, with suggestions Klopp's heavy metal football will prove a one-hit wonder.

They would not lose another Bundesliga game for the remainder of the campaign.

February 26, 2012

London, England. Liverpool, however, would lose another game. Eleven in the Premier League, in fact, to make it 14 in a 38-game season. There would be a response after the defeat to Spurs, with just one loss in 14, but just four wins in the final 19 games leaves Liverpool looking desperate.

Some respite comes in the cup competitions, as Dalglish leads them to their first major trophy since 2006, and it remains their only one under FSG ownership.

Henry and Werner hold the trophy aloft on the Wembley pitch following the shoot-out win over Championship side Cardiff.

“They (the fans) are used to a certain kind of excellence,” Henry said. “To see that start to emerge again is great.

"We've still got a long way to go so I'm hesitant to say success has come quickly or it hasn't. We have so much to learn about all aspects of this sport and we are still learning.

“But this is a great first step in what we are trying to accomplish in moving in the direction that we hope we would move. We need to win the FA Cup.”

Dortmund, Germany. No such pressure in Dortmund. The response to the defeat against Hannover is remarkable, but brutal for the rest of the Bundesliga. In the reverse fixture, with a 3-1 victory, Klopp's side make it 45 points from a possible 51 – 14 wins, three draws – to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table.

Despite an early exit in the Champions League, Klopp is considered one of the most in-demand coaches in Europe, his emergence both exciting and dramatic.

April 2012

Liverpool, England. Comolli and Liverpool split, question marks loitering over his work at Anfield. The Frenchman was dismissed from his role, with FSG unhappy about the return on their investment in the transfer market. He would later claim his dismissal, in part, was for signing Henderson.

Dalglish had led his side to just four league wins in 13 but scrutiny fell upon the players acquired by the French transfer guru. Carroll scored just seven goals, Downing was without a goal or assist in his debut campaign and Adam was not of the quality needed. Henderson and Sebastian Coates were two youngsters who have struggled to meet expectations, too.

The surprise departure of Comolli comes just two days prior to Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final with Everton. The Reds win 2-1 to fire them into their second cup final of the season, but doubts still persist over Dalglish's job security.

Gelsenkirchen, Germany. No such doubts over Klopp, whose stock continued to rise. On the same day Liverpool saw off their local rivals in blue, so too do Dortmund. A 2-1 win at Schalke in the Revierderby put them within one win of a second successive Bundesliga. They didn't wait long – they rarely have needed to under Klopp – with a win over Borussia Monchengladbach the week after confirming the title.

May 2012

Boston, USA. The all-important FA Cup victory eludes Liverpool after defeat to Chelsea at Wembley. An eighth place finish is soon followed with FSG's second managerial casualty in 18 months.

“Results in the Premier League have been disappointing and we believe to build on the progress that has already been made, we need to make a change,” Werner said in a statement. "We are committed to delivering success for our supporters and our ambition remains resolute to return this great club to the elite of England and Europe, where it belongs."

A sizeable portion of the support meet the decision with disgruntlement towards FSG, reigniting the debate over the importance of a top four finish over trophies. A living legend falls, but the American owners signal their desire to the Reds to be in the upper echelons once more.

Berlin, Germany. It's a cup triumph for Klopp, who adds yet more success to a glittering CV and somehow betters last season's efforts with a league and cup double in this campaign. Dortmund eviscerate Bayern 5-2 in the German Cup final; Kagawa, Mats Hummels and Lewandowski – three who were brought to the club by Klopp – fire them to the trophy, with the Pole notching a hat trick. This success is as much his as anybody else's.

June 2012

Liverpool, England. The reset button is pushed once more. Brendan Rodgers is named the club's new manager, as FSG tweak their previous model. “Rodgers' primary focus will be the first team,” they announced. “But he'll also work extensively in collaboration with the new football operations structure as the team adheres to the continental football sporting director mode.”

Still receiving flak for the treatment of Dalglish, Henry offered kinder words for the former Swansea boss, who signed a three-year deal. “We do not expect miracles overnight,” he said.

Rodgers is an appointment which fits in with the FSG ethos. Young, progressive and with a reputation of developing players, the Ulsterman's time at Swansea in particular attracting their attention.

But FSG's desire to see the manager fit inside a structured model was contradicted by Rodgers himself.

“I wanted to make sure that I would be in charge of football matters,” he said at his unveiling at Anfield. “That I would control the team, control the work.

“And then what we have underpinning that is a team all with one vision – and one mentality. That is to make the first team better.

“I have provided leadership all the way through myself. I am better when I have control.

“I am not a power freak. But my point is that I need to feel that I can manage it in terms of the team and I have a direct clear line through to the owners.

“Once that becomes hazed and grey, for me there is a problem.”

This determination nixes Louis van Gaal's potential arrival, but it does see Barry Hunter and Dave Fallows, both from Manchester City, appointed. Neither can begin with Liverpool until after the transfer window, giving Rodgers the freedom to bring two of his former players, Fabio Borini and Joe Allen, to Merseyside.

But alongside CEO Ian Ayre and Michael Edwards, this was the birth of the 'transfer committee' which would dominate discussions in later years.

(Image: ANDREW YATES/AFP/GettyImages)

September 2012

Boston, USA. The teething problems continud as the close of the transfer window leads to frustration on both sides of the Atlantic. Rodgers was left short in the striking department after negotiations for Clint Dempsey are unsuccessful, with the Fulham star moving to Tottenham. Carroll's departure also meant Rodgers must rely on Luis Suarez, Borini, and teenage duo Suso and Raheem Sterling until January.

FSG, coming in for more criticism, penned a letter pleading for patience.

It read: “We will build and grow from within, buy prudently and cleverly and never again waste resources on inflated transfer fees and unrealistic wages.

“We have no fear of spending and competing with the very best but we will not overpay for players.

“We have only one driving ambition at Liverpool and that is the quest to win the Premier League playing the kind of football our supporters want to see.”

Dortmund, Germany. An envious eye would be cast over to the back-to-back Bundesliga winners, who were operating in a similar structure to the one FSG were hoping to implement, and being successful in doing so.

The football is amongst some of the best in Europe too, with the potential to devastate the opposition within minutes.

Prudent and clever was Klopp's currency in the transfer market, with the German receiving plenty of support. Sporting director Michael Zorc and chief scout Sven Mislintat helped identify players, with CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke signing the cheques. Achieving consecutive titles is impressive enough, but doing so with minimal net spend was considered miraculous across the continent.

Dortmund would add to their title-winning squad by bringing in Marco Reus, although Kagawa would move on.

His reputation was clear: winning cups, spinning plates.

October 15, 2012

Liverpool, England. Liverpool are to remain at Anfield, as FSG announce their attention to expand the stadium, rather than relocate. The £152million plan echoes the renovation of the Red Sox's Fenway Park, and represents their next step into increasing revenue off the pitch. An increase to 60,000 seats is mooted, with Ayre calling it the 'right solution'.

January 2013

Liverpool, England. Rodgers recovers from a turbulent start and begins to exhibit the reasons FSG brought him to Anfield in the first place. The new structure behind the scenes also has its first chance to work. Both Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge are both aged under 24 and possess immense potential; their values not reflecting their ability, due to their situations at Inter Milan and Chelsea. Rodgers will be expected to extract that potential from the duo.

Dortmund, Germany. Klopp continues what is asked of him, developing his own young squad, but a third successive title is already out of reach after Jupp Heynckes juggernaut storms into Bayern Munich.

Yet Dortmund sit third, and would soon move up to second, with the youngest squad in the league. There are just two over-30s in the set-up – goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller and captain Sebastian Kehl – with most of the top performers 24 or under. Special praise is being reserved for Mario Gotze, not long out of his teenage years, who was called up from the youth set-up by Klopp and has now become one of the continent's most exciting prospects, establishing himself in the German national squad.

Sahin, who had been on loan at Liverpool from Real Madrid but failed to fire in his six months there, is reunited with Klopp at Dortmund. The allure of linking back up with his former manager is too good to turn down.

May 2013

London, England. Dortmund contest their first Champions League final since 1997, and lose 2-1 to Bayern Munich at Wembley. The real winner, though he would naturally refute such suggestions, is Klopp.

After dramatic wins over Malaga and Real Madrid in the knockout stages, the German coach has now become known in England. His touchline mannerisms and infectious personality, combined with the creation of a fantastic footballing side, see him linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs. He is considered a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United; Arsenal and Manchester City are also mentioned.

A different aspect to his personality is revealed, too. In the inevitable press calls ahead of the world's biggest club game in England's capital, he opens up to the British media. He is an intelligent thinker, one whose ethos very much belongs to the working classes, and he is a man for whom emotion is inevitable.

He speaks of crying when Kagawa left, and of how hearing Gotze's big-money move to Bayern in the summer was like 'a heart attack'.

On the field, his message is simple. “If players are patient enough we can develop the team into one of the biggest in the world,” he says.

Defeat to Bayern does little to damage his reputation after Dortmund go toe-to-toe with their rivals.

Liverpool, England. Less drama in the north of the country, but a season of steady progress is confirmed with a seventh-placed finish. Sturridge ends the season the club's second top scorer, despite his January arrival, while Coutinho shows flashes of what he could be capable of.

(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)

Summer 2013

Liverpool, England. The words on the front of the Telegraph hit Liverpool like a hammer. Suarez's 'let me leave' plea is ignored by FSG however, even when Arsenal activate the Uruguayan's release clause with an incendiary £40million-plus-a-penny bid.

Once more, players who stack up on statistics rather than reputations arrive, with Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto the two main incomings until a deadline day swoop for Mamadou Sakho. Only Kolo Toure, a free transfer from Manchester City, is aged over 25.

The club spend around £20million net once more, with both Carroll and Downing departing on permanent deals, emphasising the mistakes of two years previous.

Dortmund, Germany. With Liverpool beginning to settle into their transfer strategy, Dortmund deviate slightly from theirs. Having lost Gotze, the club break their transfer record on bringing Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Shakhtar. The Armenian had turned down interest from Liverpool, highlighting once more the pull of Klopp, as well as playing for the Champions League finalists. He is part of the biggest-ever outlay in one window by the Germans since Klopp took charge, spending nearly £50million.

BVB's biggest signing, however, is Klopp himself. He signs a two-year contract extension until 2018, ending speculation over his future.

"It's an honour that some big clubs rate my work at Dortmund, but I'm not the type of person who wonders whether the grass is greener elsewhere," Klopp commented on his renewal.

"It's important to be at the right place at the right time and Dortmund is the right place for me.

"I will tell interested teams the same that I would have told them before. It's flattering if there's interest, but I have a contract with Dortmund until 2018 and I tend to fulfil contracts, even if that's surprising to some people.

"So thank you, but no chance.”

October 5, 2013

Liverpool, England. A 3-1 win over Crystal Palace sees Liverpool back on top of the Premier League. FSG's vision is beginning to take shape on the pitch, even if Aspas and Alberto are consigned to the bench. Steven Gerrard and Toure aside, this is a young team, with 18-year-old Sterling exciting alongside Suarez and Sturridge.

The football, which saw the Red emerge as one of the better sides in the second half of the last campaign, is improving further. Palace offer little resistance but are nevertheless blown away in the first half, with three goals in 35 minutes.

Monchengladbach, Germany. Dortmund's own attempts to strike back at Bayern begin well, winning six of their seven games. But a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach, with Hummels' late red card proving the turning point, knocks them off the Bundesliga summit.

They would never return there under Klopp again.

April 2014

Liverpool, England. Anfield unglued. A sea of red scarves twirling, voices hoarse, dreams on the brink of being realised. In the centre of this heaving mass of emotion crouch a squad, cajoled by their captain, who are closing in on immortality. A thrilling 3-2 win over Manchester City puts them within touching distance of their first title in 25 years, and making good on the promise FSG made upon Rodgers' appointment.

Coutinho's winner initiates celebrations not seen inside the stadium in years, and also represented 93 league goals scored. The Reds' ascension has been both rapid and surprising, and places them back in the conversation in Europe.

Munich, Germany. The tongues have long stopped wagging about Dortmund. Somewhat unfairly, granted. Klopp's team are still producing good performances and are unfortunate to exit the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Real Madrid. The second leg win was an act of defiance, as was a superb 3-0 victory in Munich against a Bayern side who would take Lewandowski to the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

But with Pep Guardiola dominating on the pitch, and Bayern starting to bully Dortmund off it, Klopp's task had become harder than ever before.

May 2014

Liverpool, England. The death of one dream, the start of another. Liverpool fall just short in their pursuit of the Premier League title, with a 2-1 final day win over Newcastle not enough to secure their 19th league triumph.

But there is no doubt Liverpool are on the rise under Rodgers, who is delivering FSG's vision. With Champions League football secured for next season, the club are expected to establish themselves in the upper echelons once more.

Rodgers is rewarded with a new deal, understood to expire in 2018, with the ownership detailing how the Northern Irishman has met their remit.

"Brendan is at the heart of what we, as an ownership group, are trying to achieve on the pitch,” they said. “This season has reaffirmed everyone's belief that we can bring football success to Liverpool and we are all committed to working together to achieve that.

Berlin, Germany. Another season ends without a trophy, and another cup final defeat to Bayern is to blame. This time, an extra time 2-0 loss at the Olympiastadion had Klopp issuing an apology to supporters. “We also wanted to play a bit differently. But we did not defend very well. It did not work out and we have to accept it,” he said. “I am sorry.”

(Image: Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images)

Summer 2014

Liverpool, England. Suarez departs last season's runners-up, but provides a further £75million for FSG to allocate towards incomings. Over £130million is spent, but the recruitment strategy looks disjointed. Liverpool bring in a mixture of Premier League experience – all from Southampton – with the remainder representing young prospects from the continent with untapped potential.

The signing of Mario Balotelli provides the biggest concern. After Alexis Sanchez turns down Anfield for a move to Arsenal, Rodgers publicly rubbishes talk of signing the Italian during the club's pre-season tour of America. Later that month, he signs in a £17million deal.

Rumbles of Rodgers' discontent with the collegiate approach to transfers is not aided with his treatment of Aspas and Alberto, both of whom are loaned out after spending most of their first season on the periphery.

Dortmund, Germany. The positive net spend era is over at Westfalenstadion, as the club look to bridge the gap between themselves and Bayern. Kagawa and Sahin return on permanent deals, while Ciro Immobile, Matthias Ginter and Adrian Ramos arrive for around £35million combined. None of those three remain at the club in 2018.

Unlike previous seasons, this is not about spending what has been received. Lewandowski departs but it is on a free; Dortmund's transfer strategy is seemingly changing.

August 10, 2014

Liverpool, England. In the midst of transfer dealings, football breaks out. A pre-season friendly at Anfield gives Rodgers and Klopp – two managers now considered of a similar ilk – the chance to come face-to-face.

Rodgers, and Liverpool, prevail. A four-goal hammering against a Dortmund side lacking both their German World Cup winners and a touch of fitness and conditioning ensures optimism is rife for life without Suarez.

Coutinho is the star as the Reds provide an incisive, exhilarating performance to see off Klopp's men. Though it is just a warm-up win, it feels symbolic; Liverpool feel primed to take Dortmund's spot as Europe's entertainers.

November 2014

Liverpool, England. A narrow win over Stoke to close the month offers little respite for Liverpool, who have endured the most challenging period of Rodgers' reign so far. Three straight league defeats are accompanied with a 1-0 loss in the Bernabeu, with the Reds boss naming a weakened side against Real Madrid.

A number of summer signings are either struggling or not being handed opportunities. The style of football which marked Liverpool as one of the emerging forces in Europe is now absent. The problems are mounting up.

Frankfurt, Germany. The problems are not just mounting for Klopp, but have become critical. Lewandowski's replacements are not firing, Mkhitaryan is not proving a worthy successor to Gotze, and Klopp and his side look both tired.

Though observers label them unfortunate for most of the season, a 2-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt leaves them in the relegation zone after 13 games.

It is a position they would, inexplicably, be in when the Bundesliga takes its winter break at the halfway stage, and would even be rock bottom in February.

April 2015

London, England. The nadir – so far - is reached with an FA Cup semi-final defeat to Aston Villa. The scoreline is less concerning than the nature of it, with Rodgers implicitly failing to trust his players, making several changes during the game which leads to a disjointed performance. The pressure on the Ulsterman mounts after defeat confirms another season without a trophy; what's more, after a strong recovery in the league, recent league results have also seen top four ambitions dented once more.

Dortmund, Germany. Sensation, shock and sadness sweeps Europe as Klopp announces he will step down at the end of the season.

Like Rodgers at Liverpool, he has engineered a recovery of sorts, with Dortmund now 10th. But it is not enough to convince Klopp to continue at the club where he has given seven years of his soul. After what seemed a perfect marriage, the German coach admits he is no longer perfect for the role.

“I always said in that moment where I believe I am not the perfect coach any more for this extraordinary club, I will say so,” he said. "I believe this is the right decision at the right time.

"I have not had any contact with any other clubs, nor have I any plans to take a sabbatical.

"I just wanted to make my decision known now so that the club can plan for the future.

"I chose this time to announce it, because in the last few years, some player decisions were made late and there was no time to react.”

Gary Lineker takes to Twitter and echoes the thoughts of many. Klopp in the Premier League? Blockbuster.

May 2015

Stoke-on-Trent, England. With Klopp available at the end of the season, as well as poor performances to see out the season, cries for Rodgers' removal intensify amongst a certain section of supporters. FSG retain their faith in their man, even after an embarrassing 6-1 defeat at Stoke on the final day of the season.

Liverpool finish sixth, four places lower than the previous season, but this feels like a much bigger setback overall. A club which had rediscovered its identity, both on and off the pitch, had misplaced it once more. Rodgers' tactics betrayed his beliefs, and the disjointed recruitment had led to problems on and off the pitch.

Berlin, Germany. Klopp cannot say goodbye in a deserving manner, losing 3-1 to Wolfsburg in the German Cup final. The outpouring of emotion and gratitude towards him after the full time whistle is nevertheless striking; he is revered on the Ruhr and has established Dortmund as one of Europe's most enticing destinations for a player. Most impressive of all, Klopp leaves their identity and philosophy as his true legacy, after years in the wilderness.

(Image: ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

Summer 2015

Liverpool, England. Rodgers' stay is confirmed after a thorough end-of-season review with FSG, with a shake-up at Melwood pointing to increased authority despite the disappointing 2014/15 campaign. Sean O'Driscoll and Gary McAllister replace Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh, while Michael Edwards is named technical director in August 2015.

The much-fabled transfer committee are under scrutiny once more, too, although it is Rodgers who is behind the arrivals of Christian Benteke, Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner.

Roberto Firmino, from Hoffenheim, is not; his arrival contradicts Benteke's, highlighting how there remains an obvious blurring of visions.

Dortmund, Germany. Klopp announces a sabbatical from the sport, despite his previous intentions. The clamour for his appointment at Liverpool subsides, and Klopp spends his free months relaxing, with the odd game of tennis thrown in to keep him sharp.

“After seven intense and emotional years, I think it's a good idea to let the numerous memories settle in before I take on a new challenge with my coaching team, refreshed and fully motivated,” he said. “I'm going to take a break until further notice.”

October 4, 2015

Liverpool, England. Two hours previous, Rodgers had departed the pitch at Goodison saluting the Liverpool supporters he had served for three years. Now, with a transatlantic phone call from FSG president Mike Gordon, he was out of a job.

The statement dropped at 6:30pm on the Sunday night. “Although this has been a difficult decision, we believe it provides us with the best opportunity for success on the pitch,” it read. “Ambition and winning are at the heart of what we want to bring to Liverpool and we believe this change gives us the best opportunity to deliver it.”

It was enough to have Thierry Henry scrambling for Jamie Carragher's knee but, more crucially, FSG scurrying for Klopp.

The former Dortmund boss was their preferred candidate, seen as the man capable of finally fulfilling the ambition the owners desire. The average age of Liverpool's signings under FSG, to this point, loitered around 22 years old – almost an identical age to Klopp's at Dortmund.

Klopp had also instilled a brand of attacking football which Dortmund had become synonymous with, while also promoting talent from the youth set-up. Most importantly, he won major trophies in a competitive league, and did this while cashing in on some of his biggest assets – something FSG had done at Anfield, but wanted to reach a position where it was no longer needed.

It seemed a perfect marriage. FSG began to pen their vows on a four-year deal.

(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

October 9, 2015

Liverpool, England. The service takes place inside Anfield, in front of the watching world, on the Friday morning, 24 hours after he was confirmed as boss.

Flanked by Ayre, tanned and refreshed, the energy which gravitates towards Klopp is noticeable. After several supposed missteps in the transfer market, this is the one arrival which is a clear home run for the Liverpool owners.

He calls himself the 'normal one' – the following day's back pages sorted by 10am – but his demeanour is anything but. There is a presence, authority and confidence about him. He is asked about his style. “Emotion inside, it's speed, it's a transition game,” he said. “All the things that make football interesting for me I want to see on the pitch.”

A question on getting the best from his current crop of players follows. "This is a great club with big potential, fast players, strong players, good defenders,” he added. “Everything is there. Four or five strikers you can work with when they are not injured, midfielders, defenders are experienced and young, goalkeeper is really good."

And then, the question of the transfer committee. "It's enough for me to have the first and last word,” he said. “We only want to discuss really good players. I'm not a genius, I don't know more than the rest of the world. I need the other people to get perfect information. It's really easy to handle it."

After four managers and 50 signings in their five years at the club – essentially a whole team every season – FSG had finally found the man they wanted at the start.

In a way, they seemed destined to link up, stemming back from those last-gasp victories on a Friday which would change their lives forever.

But like it was in October 2010, there was work to do. And plenty of it.

November 8, 2015

Liverpool, England. Nobody said it would be easy, of course, and the size of Klopp's task soon became clear. If his time at Dortmund made him familiar with the remit from the boardroom in Boston, nothing had prepared him for Anfield. He soon found out it would not be the 90-minute cauldron that had been presented otherwise on television.

He realised this after suffering his first defeat, a 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace, turning to the Main Stand to see supporters leave after Scott Dann's goal with eight minutes remaining. “After the goal on 82 minutes, with 12 minutes to go, I saw many people leaving the stadium,” he said. “I felt pretty alone at this moment.

“We decide when it is over. Between 82 and 94 [minutes] you can make eight goals if you like.”

He realised would have to alter the culture on the pitch and in the stands.

April 14, 2016

Liverpool, England. Liverpool decided when it was over, and it came with 91 minutes on the clock. The Reds had already gained a growing reputation of late goals under Klopp. In December, they were mocked for raising their arms in front of the Kop after Divock Origi's last-gasp equaliser against West Brom, but it was Klopp's effort to bring unison between players and fans. A month on, at Norwich, Klopp would lose his glasses in the bedlam which followed Adam Lallana's winner with the last kick of a nine-goal thriller.

This, however, was on another level. Dejan Lovren's header sealed a remarkable comeback – from 2-4 down on aggregate, to 5-4 – to send Liverpool into the Europa League semi-finals. The previous round had seen Manchester United eliminated, and now it was former club Dortmund who were seen off.

The bond was growing stronger; the momentum was gaining traction.

May 19, 2016

Basel, Switzerland. It was the early hours after the night before, a damaging and demoralising Europa League final defeat to Sevilla. Klopp felt his charges needed rousing. Standing up, he declared: “Two hours ago you all felt s***. Now hopefully you all feel better.

“This is just the start for us. We will play in many more finals.”

The Reds boss then broke into a rousing rendition of 'We Are Liverpool' and those present followed suit. The mood was instantly lifted.

Being denied a trophy in his first season hurt, as did the lack of Champions League football. But the healing process had begun. So, too, the planning for the next step.

(Image: Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images)

Summer 2016

London, England. Klopp sat grinning in the bowels of Wembley, the same venue his side lost the League Cup final to Manchester City in February. The 4-0 win over Barcelona was nothing more than a ceremonial pre-season victory, but main summer arrivals Sadio Mane and Gini Wijnaldum had starred in the shellacking.

Yet others were not so happy. Klopp, and FSG, had come in for criticism for the squad's imbalance. The decision to not pursue a left back or central midfielder caused consternation, as did the positive net spend for the summer. FSG were regarded as thrifty, not giving the German the funds he wanted.

In truth, Klopp was pleased with what he had. He refused to sanction deals which would not represent good, long-term value for his side, and was also not keen on compromising his first-choice targets.

Whereas there was disagreement between Rodgers and those also involved in transfers, there was no such situation now. Klopp embraced the input of Edwards, Fallows and Hunter, and felt he had a side capable of competing for top honours.

May 21, 2017

Liverpool, England. Vindication. With a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough on the final day, Klopp had led his side into the Champions League for the first time since 2014. It is done in front of over 53,000 spectators at Anfield after a season in front of the brand new, renovated Main Stand.

Anfield has modernised, and so has the football it presents.

It had not been a campaign without its challenges – not least when Sadio Mane, the club's most potent attacking threat – missed the final two months of the season with injury.

But it had been a year which saw Klopp provide FSG with what they wanted, and doing so in the manner asked of him. Debuts were handed to several Academy graduates including Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

It was also Wijnaldum, one of his summer signings, who ended the tension against Boro with the opener on the stroke of half time.

A return to Europe's top table beckoned.

Summer 2017

Liverpool, England. Klopp's good work is rewarded with a contract extension, running him up to 2022, but even that didn't leave Klopp, or FSG, exempt from criticism. Despite the £36.9million signing of Mohamed Salah – a fee which now seems ludicrous, one of the heists of the century – the failure to secure Virgil van Dijk and Naby Keita led to more accusations of FSG reluctance to spend.

But Klopp did not panic. Instead, he kept faith with his current crop, knowing Keita would arrive the summer after and Van Dijk remained a January possibility. His nose for the long-term was one of the key reasons he was brought to the club, and he was not willing to betray that. The signings of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andy Robertson also served as proof of that.

FSG also release a statement in the face of continued pressure from Barcelona in their pursuit of Coutinho. Their message is clear: the Brazilian will not be sold. Amidst back trouble and drooping bottom lips, he remains a Liverpool player, and show to Klopp their ambition matches his.

January 2018

Liverpool, England. Van Dijk arrives, making him the most expensive defender in history, but the goodwill does not last long when Liverpool decide to let Coutinho leave for Barca in a £142million deal. It was a deal sanctioned by Klopp, he says, with the player growing increasingly disgruntled. Yet the decision to sell a creative fulcrum of the side is met with disbelief. Klopp, however, trusts in his current crop; in particular, his phenomenal front three of Salah, Mane and Firmino, who are producing football which has the world talking.

It is Salah, in particular, taking the plaudits. The German boss has no problem sharing them around, demonstrating how close he is working with those in charge of transfers.

He said: “Michael Edwards, Dave Fallows and Barry Hunter, they were really in my ear and were on it: 'Come on, come on, Mo Salah, he's the solution'.

“When you have 20 players on the table, different players, it's difficult to make an early decision.

“But we all were convinced about it so could make the early decision so we could really get him. He's a fantastic person, a nice lad and a really good football player."

(Image: Steven Paston/PA Wire)

May 2, 2018

Rome, Italy. Long after Liverpool had confirmed their place in the Champions League final, after an incredible 7-6 aggregate win, the supporters continued to celebrate. Long into the night.

They had not been given much choice, detained in Roma's Stadio Olimpico because of safety fears. The joyous scenes from the 5,000 in the away end had begun at the final whistle and continued in front of the players, a tight-knit group of grafters and goalscorers, for 20 minutes after.

Mane burst through the security cordon to celebrate, rousing the rabid Reds in Rome. Henderson plucked a banner in support of Sean Cox, the supporter who fights for his life after an attack by Roma fans outside Anfield, and posed with it alongside the entire team.

Klopp was missing, taking part in his media duties, of which there were plenty. When he finished, he bounded on to the running track, as if he were a 400m runner. The roar came once more as he conducted the away support.

“I didn't actually want to do it, to go back out,” he explained after. “But it was actually a fantastic moment.

“It is so really good having seen all these happy faces - it is the best thing that football can do.

“These people followed us all over Europe, come to Anfield create atmosphere, absolutely exceptional and we all know how big the desire is to come back on the winning track.

“They had such a big part in the season so far so if they want to see me they can see me. That’s no problem.

“They have to wait in the stadium to give them a little bit of thank you in football way. It was really nice.”

A side built by Klopp – with youngsters, bargains and calculated gambles – had punched above their weight and reached the biggest game in club football, less than three years into his reign.

And they produced it in front of supporters who now feel that special bond with the club once more.

This was a case of history repeating.

Klopp would guarantee Champions League football next season on the final day, this time against Brighton. But the big prize still awaits on May 26, with Real Madrid the opposition.

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Klopp, Liverpool and FSG have come a long way since October 2010 – and not always side-by-side.

Yet as the three prepare for Kiev together, it emerges how this was the way it always meant to be. Immortality awaits.