Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp was voted the League Managers’ Association (LMA) Manager of the Year on Monday after guiding the side to win the English title after 30 years. Liverpool won the Premier League, ending the season 18 points clear of second-placed Manchester City on the leaderboard.
The announcement was made by former Manchester United manager Alex Fegusson, after whom the award—Alex Fergusson Trophy—is now named.
“Jurgen, fantastic. We speak about Leeds spending 16 years in the Championship, but Liverpool 30 years since winning that league, incredible,” Ferguson said on Sky Sports.
“You thoroughly deserved it. The performance level of your team was outstanding. Your personality runs right throughout the whole club. It was a marvellous performance.
“I’ll forgive you for waking me up at 3.30am to tell me you have won the league! Thank you, but anyway, you thoroughly deserved it. Well done,” Fergusson said.
The German edged out Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth and last year’s winner Chris Wilder of Sheffield United to be named Manager of the Year.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be named the winner ... for this wonderful Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy, named after a man that I admire so much,” Klopp said.
“Everything we have accomplished at Liverpool this year couldn’t have been done without the superb input of my coaching staff; they make us a really special bunch of football brains.
“I love to work with my coaches, my players and everyone at LFC and, of course, I am thankful for the support from all our wonderful Liverpool fans.”
Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes was named Women’s Super League manager of the year after helping the club to a league and League Cup double.
(With inputs from agencies)
