Jurgen Klopp managed his 50th Premier League game as Liverpool manager on Monday afternoon, serving up an impressive milestone for the German.
While the Reds were unable to secure victory away to Sunderland, Klopp is able to step back and take a positive view of his first 50 league games in charge on Merseyside.
Since Klopp’s arrival in October of 2015, Liverpool have undergone a change in fortunes, challenging the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City for the title in his first full campaign.
This season, Klopp has already overseen 13 wins from 20 league games, while his total after 50 games is 26.
As a result, he finds himself behind only two Liverpool managers in terms of wins after 50 league games, that pair being Bill Shankly (27) and Kenny Dalglish (30).
Shankly went on to lead the Reds to three First Division titles, in 1963/64, 1965/66 and 1972/73, while Dalglish’s first spell in charge also brought three, in 1985/86, 1987/88 and 1989/90.
This means that Klopp is ahead of the likes of Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Gerard Houllier, Rafa Benitez and his predecessor, Brendan Rodgers, as detailed by club statistician Ged Rea:
Most Wins After 50 League Games as Liverpool Manager
- 30: Kenny Dalglish
- 27: Bill Shankly
- 26: Jurgen Klopp
- 25: William Barclay
- 24: David Ashworth, Phil Taylor, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Gerard Houllier
- 23: Rafa Benitez, Brendan Rodgers
A draw at the Stadium of Light was certainly a setback for Klopp’s Reds, but the boss has proved hugely successful so far.
Liverpool have already recorded their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign after 19 games since the competition’s inception, with Klopp surpassing both Benitez and Rodgers.
Benitez and Rodgers both came close to securing the Reds’ first-ever Premier League title, and Klopp will be hopeful of going one better this season.
Two points dropped to Sunderland are disappointing, but Klopp has the weight of history behind him as he works to establish himself as one of Liverpool’s greatest managers.
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