Jurgen, energy levels and echoes of Jacinda Ardern’

Like many Liverpool fans, this week’s news that our leader (he is much more than a football manager to us), Jurgen Klopp, is leaving at the end of the current season was as painful as it was unexpected. 

Of course, I knew that all good things come to an end and that he couldn’t stay forever - although that would have been my preferred option. My sadness at his impending departure was matched only by my gratitude that he has been at Anfield for so long and my thanks that, as the wording on the statue of one of his greatest predecessors Bill Shankly says: “he made the people happy”. 

His record on the field is incredible, especially when we consider the state of the team and club when he arrived, but his impact off the field has led to the deep and enduring emotional bond between him and Liverpool fans. Speaking for myself, and I think also many fellow fans, he has the capacity to do something that we all need in our lives - something I discuss a lot with clients - he sees us. 

He understands why we care about our club. He validates our passion. He recognises our belief that our club is special. He shares that belief and importantly he communicates that belief to us. Having empathy or unconditional positive regard for others is important and positive, but only of limited value unless these sentiments are communicated. Jurgen Klopp’s great gift, aside from his ability to win football matches, is that he is a great communicator. This is made all the more impressive given he is communicating in his second language. 

Liverpool fans - certainly legacy fans like me as we were once dismissively called by people who should know better - are not alone in thinking that our club is special and the connection we have with it goes way beyond football. It is about a sense of place, community, civic pride, and in our case (and with other clubs) it is forged in the shared despair and loss of great tragedy. Although I felt sadness when I heard the news of Jurgen’s announcement, it was not hard for me to find perspective that this is not, to coin a phrase, a matter of life and death.

I also took perspective from Jurgen’s comments in making his announcement. He spoke in typically-inspiring and thoughtful terms about his reasons for leaving, notably reflecting that he was “running out of energy”. This phrase, and some of the answers he gave in his subsequent press conference, reminded me of another high profile departure, from another figure who transcended their field and made a huge global impact: Jacinda Ardern. 

When the then-Prime Minister of New Zealand announced her intention to stand down from the role she used a similar phrase, referring to no longer having “enough in the tank" to fulfil the demands of the premiership. 

Both of these leaders - leaders who took their respective organisations and communities - in both cases reaching people all around the world - through COVID - were able to cut through the fear and complexity of the moment and speak in clear, simple, compassionate terms about the existential crisis we were facing. In these moments, they went far beyond their formal roles and became sources of comfort, support and inspiration. They reminded us, through their words, tone and actions, that humanity and humility were incredibly powerful attributes and were worth much more than some of the bravado, bluster and downright bullshit we were fed by others leaders in this moment. 

The comparisons between the two Js don’t end there. Both leaders are, rightly in my view, recognised as being highly emotionally-intelligent and humorous people with a human touch - treating people with respect, kindness and affection. A kind word. A smile. A hug. 

The manner of their departure announcements are striking too, and again can helps millions around the world. I don’t profess to have any special insight in to their mental state or have inside knowledge on the impact that the pressure and expectations in their roles have had on them. I can only try to imagine the stresses and strains that come from having millions of people hang on your every word and actions, 24/7, 365 days a year. But the fact that they both have cited energy levels and the need to step away from their respective arenas - arenas in which they both excelled - tells us something. I wish I’d had such insight before I hit my breakdown brick wall when the stresses and strains of my work took me past my breaking point in my arena. 

I am grateful that these inspiring and much-loved leaders chose to open up a conversation about stress, work-life-balance and the need to look after yourself. Jurgen talked about trying to find a “normal life”, which I hope he can find and it gives him and his family the peace and contentment he deserves. 

In my view, the high-profile contribution they have made through their announcements to mental health and wellbeing is as valuable as anything else they have done. If we are truly to remove stigma from discussing mental health and wellbeing, and all feel able to put our hands up and say that things are getting tough and we need help or a break, we need more role models. 

It is hard to imagine two finer role models in public life than Jacinda and Jurgen. Two people who have led by example. Two people who are special and inspiring and yet are us: the best of us. Two people who have helped millions feel part of something special and who embody the creed of Liverpool Football Club: that we never, ever walk alone.