EXCLUSIVE: RAMON VEGA: 'Normal One' Klopp will certainly add colour and class to the Premier League

The Premier League sure just got a bit more colourful with the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.

Although he has styled himself as the ‘Normal One’ in contrast to Jose Mourinho’s self-proclaimed ‘Special’ status, Klopp will be a great addition to English football.

He is clearly quite idiosyncratic in his approach, attitude and relations with the press and players and that has served him well over the years, picking up titles and taking Borussia Dortmund to a Champions League final.

Just as importantly for Liverpool fans, he did that while getting his teams to play with real style and swagger- a prerequisite for nurturing a strong relationship with the Kop.

I think often players react well to managers who are slightly leftfield and come at problems from alternative angles.

This is especially so when there is a sense of doom and gloom around the club, as they can bring with them a vibrancy, energy and enthusiasm to get everyone going again.

Martin O’Neill was one of those guys. I played under him at Celtic and experienced one of the most enjoyable spells of my career. Martin is fiercely intelligent, passionate and extremely dynamic, attributes I’m sure he picked up from working with the one and only Brian Clough.

He earned the respect of his players immediately as we understood that this was a man with real substance who we could learn from and who would take us places.

He was a charismatic manager and that goes a long way with footballers. But he also had a very grown up and mature approach, trusting the senior players with a freedom to get on with things and get them done, rather than constantly breathing down our necks- that sense of responsibility usually creates dedication and loyalty . 

I do have sympathy for Brendan Rogers as I think he is still an excellent manager. I was a bit surprised by his departure, as the autumn leaves have only just started falling!

He brought Liverpool to within touching distance of a first title in decades, but that’s part and parcel of being at the helm of the most ambitious clubs. The pressure is unforgiving and like in the biggest and most successful companies, performing below what is expected is not tolerated for too long, despite what you may have done in the past.

One factor that reportedly played a role in Rogers’ exit is the much-maligned transfer committee at Anfield. In business, a committee where decisions are made collectively, with everyone throwing their own expertise into the fray, can be highly productive.

In football, I am not against the concept per se. It makes sense to draw on different people’s perspectives and opinions. However, these people need to be properly qualified and steeped in the knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the game.

I have doubts when I start seeing lawyers and marketing men on these committees as I question whether they really know football’s ins and outs. You wouldn’t want a dentist to sell your house after all!

Also, I believe the manager should always have the final say. He is the footballing equivalent of the CEO on the ground. Decision-making is what he is there for and why – in the Premier League at least – he gets remunerated so handsomely.

This is part of the challenge for the modern manager. They need to be flexible and adapt to different executive structures. At one club they may have operated with just one sporting director. At another there might be a whole committee, fractured by internal politics and rivalries.

Going back to Liverpool and I have to say that walking out onto the pitch at Anfield was a memory that I’ll never forget. The fans created the best atmosphere I ever experienced. I remember one game with Spurs when we were winning by a couple of goals and the fervour and noise emanating from the stands simply intensified. The supporters kept on backing their team until the very end. I had to check the scoreboard to make sure Liverpool were actually losing!

There is no doubt that they are a special club. Maybe the ‘Normal One’ will be the perfect fit.

Ramon Vega is a versatile high-flying executive with a comprehensive track record of driving commercial success in finance, property and football with national, international and World Cup experience as captain of the Swiss National Team in 1994. Proven experience in managing $billion funds in the asset management industry as well as a turnaround specialist who combines financial and business acumen, Ramon has a flair for inspiring others to exceed their own expectations. Follow him on Twitter here @Ramon_Vega71  (http://frompitchtoboardroom.com)

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