What Became of Jurgen Klopp’s First Liverpool Lineup
Jurgen Klopp became Liverpool’s manager in October 2015, succeeding Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield dugout. The former Borussia Dortmund coach went on to enjoy an extraordinary spell that surpassed even the highest hopes of Liverpool fans. However, Klopp announced that the 2023/24 campaign would be his final season in charge of the Reds.
The news of his departure stunned the football world. The man who delivered the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup to Anfield was stepping down, cementing his place among the greatest managers in Premier League history. Klopp’s leadership transformed Liverpool from a struggling side into consistent title contenders.
Looking back at Klopp’s first starting lineup compared to his current squad shows just how far the club has come. His debut game ended in a goalless draw against Tottenham, but his signature high-pressing style was already evident. None of the 18 players involved that day remain at the club—proof of the sweeping changes Klopp oversaw.
Goalkeeper: Simon Mignolet
Current club: Club Brugge
Mignolet was Liverpool’s number one when Klopp arrived but lost his place after a string of costly errors. He left for Club Brugge in 2019, where he has since won multiple league titles and made over 200 appearances.
Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne
Current club: Crystal Palace
Clyne was a regular early in Klopp’s tenure but injuries and the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold pushed him out of contention. He returned to Crystal Palace in 2020, where he remains a steady Premier League performer.
Centre-back: Martin Škrtel
Current status: Retired
A solid defender during his time at Anfield, Škrtel was sold to Fenerbahçe in 2016 and later had short stints in Italy and Slovakia before retiring in 2022. His best form came under Brendan Rodgers, notably during the 2013/14 title chase.
Centre-back: Mamadou Sakho
Current club: Unattached
Sakho showed flashes of promise and scored a famous goal against Dortmund in the Europa League, but disciplinary issues marred his Liverpool career. He later played for Crystal Palace and Montpellier, and as of 2023, is without a club.
Left-back: Alberto Moreno
Current club: Como
Known for his attacking flair but defensive lapses, Moreno was sold in 2019 following Andy Robertson’s emergence. After a stint at Villarreal—where he won the Europa League in 2021—he now plays for Como under Cesc Fàbregas.
Midfielder: Emre Can
Current club: Borussia Dortmund
A versatile but inconsistent midfielder, Can left Liverpool on a free transfer to Juventus in 2018 before returning to Germany with Borussia Dortmund. Now 31, he captains the side and led them to the 2024 Champions League final.
Klopp’s early squad bears little resemblance to today’s Liverpool, underscoring the incredible rebuild he engineered—one that turned the Reds into one of the most dominant teams in world football.