6 steps in the evolution of Liverpool FC under Jürgen Klopp

#2 Heartbreak and rebuild

Liverpool reached two finals in 2016.

Despite a choppy league campaign, Liverpool reached two cup finals in Jürgen Klopp's first season. Not even a year into his Anfield tenure, Klopp led the Reds to heights that they had failed to reach for years and years before his arrival. The run to the Europa League final was particularly memorable, with the 4-3 win over Dortmund at Anfield standing out in a big way.

Liverpool failed to get over the line against Manchester City and Sevilla, with the consequence being no European football in the next season. However, Klopp quickly moved to rebuild the squad and mold it into more of his kind of team. The likes of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum joined, making major contributions during the 2016-17 season as Liverpool finished fourth.

There was already progress, with Mane leading the charge alongside Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino. Liverpool returned to the Champions League and Klopp was tasked with preparing them to go toe-to-toe with Europe's big boys.