Jürgen Klopp acknowledges James Milner’s contribution: Liverpool’s achievements unfeasible without him
Jürgen Klopp has informed ESPN that James Milner’s accomplishment of surpassing the Premier League appearance record is unlikely to be replicated, emphasizing that none of the achievements at Liverpool would have been feasible without him.
Milner matched Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances when he came off the bench for Brighton against Aston Villa on February 11 and subsequently broke it this past weekend. He made his Premier League debut at the age of 16 for Leeds United in November 2002 and has since played in the top division for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.
The 40-year-old was included in Brighton’s starting lineup for their match against Brentford on Saturday, marking his record 654th Premier League appearance.
“I can’t believe it,” Klopp told ESPN. “Being part of something eternal is truly special. Achieving that number of appearances is akin to landing on the moon. Perhaps it only occurs once?”
Throughout those 654 appearances, Milner has amassed numerous trophies, in addition to his 61 caps for England.
With Manchester City, he played a key role in securing the Premier League title in 2012 and 2014, as well as winning the 2011 FA Cup and the 2014 League Cup. Milner joined Liverpool in June 2015, with Klopp arriving in October of that same year. He managed Milner until the player’s transfer to Brighton in June 2023, during which time Milner contributed to Liverpool’s victories in the 2020 Premier League, the 2022 FA Cup, the 2022 League Cup, and the Champions League in 2019.
“Of all the success we achieved at Liverpool, nothing would have transpired without him,” Klopp, who departed Liverpool in June 2024, stated as part of an ESPN feature on Milner’s milestone. “That’s the reality.”
Klopp, now serving as Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, characterized Milner as “probably the most disciplined, determined, professional football player I have ever collaborated with.”
He added: “You cannot reach this level without immense determination. At the outset of our player-coach relationship, it was immediately clear that I needed to find a way to win him over, as he holds significant influence in many respects.”
On the pitch, Klopp utilized Milner in various positions, including a season at left-back during the 2016-17 campaign. Milner began his career on the wing at Leeds but has ultimately played in every outfield position throughout his 24-year Premier League tenure.
“When considering James, people would likely describe him as an honest, top professional,” Klopp remarked. “However, I can assure you, he is capable of doing it all.”
“If you are fixed to one position, it becomes evident over the years at each club that there will be a player in your role who is either as skilled as you or superior. They may be younger, quicker, stronger, or better in aerial duels. Therefore, the more positions you can cover, the longer your career can last.”
“But the most crucial aspect he possesses is his overall skill set. He has everything and only displays about 50 or 60% of it. Both his right and left foot are exceptional, he has good speed, he can dribble, and he excels in tight and expansive spaces. He possesses an incredible attitude and makes it clear that the flashy elements will not be present on matchday. From a skill-set standpoint, he ranks among the top five players I have worked with.”
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Milner has yet to disclose his future plans with his contract expiring in the summer, but he remains focused on Brighton. Those close to him indicate that he may find the recognition for this latest achievement uncomfortable, yet Klopp is immensely proud of Milner and this milestone.
“Now you tell me, is there anyone out there who has even a slight chance of reaching that number of games? Probably not,” Klopp stated. “I hope that after game No. 780 or whatever he attains, and he retires, whatever he chooses to do next, the world will desperately need individuals like him.”
“He has the biggest heart, which he has demonstrated through his foundation, his conduct in the dressing room, and on the football pitch. I am thrilled for him that he has reached this landmark.”
