'Could've gone so differently': Former Liverpool flop wishes he'd played under Jurgen Klopp not Rafa Benitez

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This at times stagnated some of the more flair-driven players within his Liverpool squads.One of those who struggled to come to terms with the Spaniard’s approach was Ryan Babel. But according to Babel himself, his Liverpool career would have been much different under Klopp.Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty ImagesRyan Babel wanted to play under Jurgen Klopp at LiverpoolIt was not as though forward players did not succeed under Benitez at Liverpool.

Fernando Torres’ Reds’ career is proof of that if any was needed.However, in terms of wide players, the former Valencia boss clearly preferred hard-working options such as Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera over those with pace and verve like Babel.READ MORE: Ryan Babel left baffled after what he’s seen Liverpool fans say about Arne SlotKlopp, by contrast, turned inverted wingers such as Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane into superstars at Anfield.In another life, it isn’t too hard to see how Babel could have done the job of Mane under Klopp. Quick, skilful and a terrific finisher, the former Netherlands international could have shone.If I played under Jürgen Klopp back in 2007 – when I made that move from Ajax to Liverpool at 20 years old…man, things could’ve gone so differently.But one thing’s for sureI gave it my all. ❤️ #YNWA pic.twitter.com/PIXOL8Sez9— Ryan Babel (@Ryanbabel) October 8, 2025 View Tweet Babel was also the kind of player who would likely have benefitted from Klopp’s approach to man management.

I gave it my all.”Jurgen Klopp could have changed Babel’s careerWhen Babel arrived at Liverpool in 2007, he did so as one of the most exciting young players in Europe.However, the then 20-year-old looked an awkward fit under Benitez right from the start, with the Spanish coach never quite fully trusting his signing.Ultimately, Babel scored just 22 goals in 146 appearances for Liverpool. Babel has spoken out about his unhappiness under Benitez before, admitting he was not a fan of the way the Champions League winners dealt with his players.Klopp was brilliant at making players feel loved under his guidance, and that coupled with a more free-flowing system would likely have got much more out of Babel.