The first few seasons of Jurgen Klopp's managerial career – way back at the turn of the millennium – were a lot like his first few seasons at Liverpool: One effervescent, enthusiastic, exciting and positive ride, reaching so close to the ultimate goal. Overachieving, but just short of the pinnacle.
In Klopp's first season at Mainz, he saved the club from relegation from the 2. Bundesliga to the third tier of German soccer. The next two seasons, he produced well above expectations, putting the club on the precipice of promotion to the Bundesliga for the first time in the club's history, but finished one place behind promotion both times.