Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, James Milner, Liverpool
Daniel Marland
Liverpool players once attempted to reject a request made by manager Jurgen Klopp, who hit back with a furious response.
Klopp's a well-respected figure at Anfield after making Liverpool one of the best teams in world football.
Since taking over in October 2015, he's helped the Reds to Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory.
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It's a remarkable achievement, given Liverpool's poor state when he first arrived. Struggling under previous boss Brendan Rodgers, the club sat 10th in the Premier League and played in the Europa League.
He managed to guide Liverpool to the Europa League final that season, but it would be the first of three final defeats in European competition under Klopp.
Liverpool lost 3-1 to Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park despite taking the lead through Daniel Sturridge. Kevin Gameiro equalised just after the break before two goals in six minutes from Coke were enough to seal victory for Unai Emery's men.
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James Milner was part of that team after joining on a free transfer from Manchester City the prior summer.
That evening was the first he experienced Klopp's belief in togetherness, no matter the result.
Milner told Liverpool's official podcast that Klopp asked all his players to sing 'We are Liverpool' in the changing room.
When met with resistance from downbeat players, the German coach didn't hold back.
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He said per Anfield Edition: "When we lost the Europa League final, some of the lads were drowning their sorrows and Klopp came in wanting us to sing 'We are Liverpool'. We said we ain’t doing it then he said 'I’m your f**king manager' so we all got up."
It's the same year Liverpool received relentless mocking for 'celebrating' a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion at home.
Klopp made his players link arms and parade in front of supporters inside Anfield following Divock Origi's last-gasp equaliser.
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Again, it was an attempt to build team spirit and thank supporters for their noise and enthusiasm. Klopp's tactics worked. He's now considered one of the most influential managers in Premier League history.
Milner is the most senior member of Liverpool's squad and went on to reveal he's in control of the fine system in training.
The former England international joked: "The boys see you coming and straight away they stop doing what they should be!"
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"Where we stay before home games, I'll have rice pudding before most games and I have jam in it and you've got to walk to the far side of the room, so I've got to pass all the tables.
"No-one's allowed their phone at dinner. I've got that walk across and I can see someone's head down. You just lean your head over and see someone's phone on the lap, it's like, 'Sorry mate!' I'm surprised they haven't moved the jam yet."
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