The documentary is to air on BBC One…
When it comes to lifting Europe’s most coveted football trophy, what are the secrets of success? This documentary tells the story of Liverpool’s Champions League win in 2019, uncovering how Jurgen Klopp galvanised a team – and the red half of the city – to deliver a sixth European title.
Rewinding to his arrival in 2015, former Liverpool assistant manager Peter Krawietz reflects on Klopp’s opening press conference vow to win a title within four years, and how they planned to turn doubters into believers through the German’s approach – marrying control, passion and tactical know-how.
Dressing-room insights from key players Andy Robertson and Alisson Becker bring to life that approach and recall an incredibly tough group stage in 2018-19, which saw Liverpool’s Champions League dream come within minutes of ending before it had begun.
Becker’s signing, and a fascinating contribution from former director of research Ian Graham, help to reveal Liverpool’s pioneering recruitment strategy – the so-called “Moneyball” approach from baseball, which became their secret weapon, most notably in persuading Klopp to sign talismanic forward Mo Salah.
Reflecting on the pivotal semi-final, journalists Barney Ronay and Melissa Reddy recall how the team responded to their first-leg 3-0 defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona, and go on to explore Klopp’s ability to channel the power of Anfield, to deliver a thrilling second-leg 4-0 comeback, the highpoint of the 2018-19 campaign.
Culminating in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the final, How to Win the Champions League: Liverpool 2019 uncovers a triumph that saw scientific analysis, the power of history and a thrilling brand of Klopp-inspired tactical, but emotional football combine perfectly to deliver the biggest prize in global football, the European Cup.
How to Win the Champions League: Liverpool 2019, BBC One, Wednesday, 9th April at 11:40 pm
