The Cult of Klopp! How Liverpool boss has become darling of the Kop (with the tacky merchandise to prove it)... while Louis van Gaal still can't feel the love at Man United

There were a smattering of Liverpool supporters at a Manchester hotel on Thursday morning, armed with autograph books and camera phones.

They waited patiently behind a barrier at the gates of their side's city centre base in order to catch a glimpse of those ready to do battle at Old Trafford later. A chance to snatch a signature or two before the squad boarded their coach.

In days gone by Steven Gerrard would have been the main attraction, perhaps Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso or Luis Suarez. Now they come for their manager, Jurgen Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp has won over Liverpool supporters with his infectious personality and touchline antics

Jurgen Klopp has won over Liverpool supporters with his infectious personality and touchline antics

Liverpool carry a two-goal advantage into their Europa League last 16 return leg with Manchester United

Liverpool carry a two-goal advantage into their Europa League last 16 return leg with Manchester United

While Klopp has become a hero at Anfield, Louis van Gaal has failed to win over Manchester United fans

While Klopp has become a hero at Anfield, Louis van Gaal has failed to win over Manchester United fans

Klopp speaks to his players during a final practice session at Old Trafford ahead of Thursday's match

Klopp speaks to his players during a final practice session at Old Trafford ahead of Thursday's match

KLOPP LIVERPOOL RECORD 

Played:               36

Won:                   17

Drawn:                11

Lost:                    8

An infectious character, the German is only too happy to oblige, often stopping to say hello, crack wise and have his photo taken.

He is instantly likeable, a charming man in a wholly different sense to the boss nicknamed just that across this city, Manuel Pellegrini.

Liverpool supporters like his honesty, they like his thirst to entertain. Above all, they like his relatable humour. This is the Cult of Klopp, a movement here to stay.

The Reds were aware of this inevitability even before he replaced Brendan Rodgers, clearly, a glance at their official website showing multitudinous Klopp kits. From mugs to flasks, T-shirts to scarves. One tee reads 'turning doubters into believers'. Another says 'boss tha' as a by-product of his endearing interview with a young fan weeks after taking the hotseat during which he tries to learn Scouse.

It is just a shame that the club felt the need to emblazon 'the normal one' on a scarf. Klopp himself shied away from those comments, but no scheme is perfect.

Klopp merchandise from the Reds' club shop includes a 'Boss Tha' mug
The 'Be Like Jurgen' mousemat is another popular item

Klopp merchandise from the Reds' club shop includes a 'Boss Tha' mug and 'Be Like Jurgen' mousemat

The former Borussia Dortmund boss issues instructions from the sidelines in his trademark style

The former Borussia Dortmund boss issues instructions from the sidelines in his trademark style

Also available to Klopp enthusiasts is a 'Boom' T-shirt
...and the manager also has his own club pennant

Also available to Klopp enthusiasts is a 'Boom' T-shirt and the manager's own club pennant

It would be unfair to suggest the club are just cashing in on their unique asset - a few mousemats with Klopp's grinning face sold at six quid are hardly going to make Fenway Sports Group further millions - but they definitely know his value. This one must stick for John Henry.

Liverpool have been astute in their marketing of the former Borussia Dortmund manager. They realise he sells, and want to feed the beast, create a culture whereby fans are immersed in the cult. This should be applauded and other clubs might want to follow suit, the short video snippets of Klopp laughing or telling a joke - often simultaneously - bringing supporters closer to manager.

It has brought him a degree of leeway too - there have been some hugely difficult spells already, the occasional fairly desperate result along the way. Now there are real signs of green shoots, unbeaten in the last nine and only two goals conceded in their last seven.

Manchester City have twice been demolished in the Premier League, the Europa League quarter-finals are close. Roberto Firmino has been exemplary, Daniel Sturridge is back. Adam Lallana is still running from last week's win over Manchester United.

Liverpool now possess a manager to rally behind, something - for all the strong work Rodgers did - they have not enjoyed for a great number of years. Someone to whip up The Kop.

Roberto Firmino nets Liverpool's second goal after Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoriing at Old Trafford

Roberto Firmino nets Liverpool's second goal after Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoriing at Old Trafford

Klopp, speaking ahead of the European showdown, insists Liverpool 'know how to play United'

Klopp, speaking ahead of the European showdown, insists Liverpool 'know how to play United'

Despite losing to them in the League Cup, Klopp's biggest wins have come over Manchester City (above)

Despite losing to them in the League Cup, Klopp's biggest wins have come over Manchester City (above)

MAN UNITED vs LIVERPOOL 

Europa League last 16 second leg

Thursday March 17

Old Trafford

Kick off: 8.05pm

TV: BT Sport 1 

He certainly projects himself in a manner Reds immediately warmed to. And, let's not understate this point, he has never said the word philosophy. An instant winner. One ex-Premier League manager actually snorted at the use of that at the LMA president's dinner on Monday night and you get the sense Klopp may well do the same privately. He has no time for such bunk.

What he does have time for is straightforward talk, at it again before Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg at Old Trafford, where Liverpool take a two-goal lead.

'I am absolutely an optimistic guy. Before the game I always have the best feelings,' he said. 'The problem is I have lost a few games after having very good feelings before the game! That is not too important. Listen, it is football. This is the third time we have played against Man United.

'We have always been in the game. That is an important sign for us. The world doesn't change overnight. It is absolutely clear there is a chance for Man United. 100 per cent. That is football. Everything can happen. But we know that we know how to play them. That is the truth.'

Liverpool fans show their appreciation for the German with a banner during an earlier Europa League game

Liverpool fans show their appreciation for the German with a banner during an earlier Europa League game

Van Gaal, pictured screaming at his players during the first leg, has been undone by consistency this term

Van Gaal, pictured screaming at his players during the first leg, has been undone by consistency this term

The last two sentences are what Liverpool fans want to hear, subtly dropped into his press conference without making a show of the point.

And last week they did look like they knew how to play Louis van Gaal's United, who were predictable and slow, stuck in the one step forward and two back rut which has completely undermined the Dutchman's reign.

Needless to say, there are no mugs in the United megastore reading 'it's a process'.

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