THE focus of Liverpool’s season changed as soon as Jurgen Klopp revealed his decision to leave the club. What had previously been a transitional campaign quickly became one that must end in glory. Klopp is the greatest manager in Liverpool’s modern history and he deserves to go out with a trophy in-hand. The Premier League trophy would be most fitting.

Liverpool currently sit top of the table with 13 fixtures of the 2023/24 season left to play. They have a two-point lead over Arsenal and a four-point advantage over Manchester City, who hold a game in-hand. As things stand, the Reds could be reasonably described as title favourites. There’s still a long way to go, though.

A Premier League title in Klopp’s farewell season would be his greatest achievement as Liverpool manager. The German has won the English title before, but Liverpool had been building to that point for a number of years. What’s more, Manchester City suffered a drop-off, clearing the way for their Anfield rivals.

This season has been very different. Few expected Liverpool to be in this position after a 2022/23 campaign which saw the Reds fail to even finish in the top four. Klopp completely rebuilt his midfield with Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai all signed in the same transfer window. Most believed they would need time to bed in.

Instead, Klopp quickly retooled the centre of his team. Liverpool still lack a long-term solution at the base of their midfield after the departure of Fabinho last summer, but Mac Allister has performed an adapted version of the role which has allowed the Reds to build momentum. The 2022 World Cup winner has been one of Liverpool’s best players.

In attack, Liverpool absorbed Mohamed Salah’s absence – and subsequent injury – due to the Africa Cup of Nations while Darwin Nunez has been harnessed as a chaos merchant. Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo all also contributing in a major way. Klopp is getting the most out of his squad in so many different areas.

The competition at the top of the Premier League table is also stiffer this season than it was in 2020 when Liverpool ended their long wait for a title. Arsenal are mentally stronger than they were 12 months ago, when they fell away in the title race, while Manchester City are arguably the most formidable team of the Premier League era. Liverpool can’t allow themselves any sort of dip.

“Of course I want to win the league,” said Klopp. “Do I know if we have a chance, really? It looks like we can be around it but there are so many games between now and then. We have to play them all and we have to win them all, which is absolutely crazy. I just cannot think about it. I am not a dreamer. But if you ask me if it would be nice then, yes, very nice for everybody involved and the whole Liverpool world.”

Klopp’s legacy at Liverpool won’t be affected if he fails to finish with a Premier League title. He has re-energised the club in a way few thought possible when he first turned up at Anfield in 2015. Klopp made himself a Scouse icon and reflected Liverpool as a city just as much as he reflected the club. His legacy is secure no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.

Nonetheless, Liverpool have the opportunity to pull off something special for their manager. A second Premier League title would be Klopp’s crowning achievement. It would underline his standing as one of the best managers English football has ever seen while also highlighting how much Liverpool will lose when he leaves.