Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Klopp went as far as comparing the legendary Manchester United boss with one of the city of Liverpool’s favourite sons.
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“But in life timing is always important and that was a time I could not leave Dortmund”. The mutual respect between the pair was evident as the Liverpool manager welcomed Ferguson’s concern, though conceded he still had to justify it at Anfield.
Well, Klopp was effusive in his praise of the man who restored Manchester United to prominence after decades of existing in Liverpool’s shadow.
“I had a few really good moments with Sir Alex and it was a big honour to talk to him”, he added. “It was an honor to talk with him”. I needed 10 minutes to understand all but then I was in the language.
“Yeah, we spoke”, the manager confirmed.
The Liverpool manager also backed tomorrow’s rival Louis van Gaal and said sacking the Dutchman was not the answer to United’s issues. When a manager is doing well or has the support of the fanbase, words carry a different tone and focus.
“That is positive news but it is not the time to think about it too much because after 102 days we have an important game against Manchester United and what we want to do is make the record better”, he said. Both sides were involved in entertaining 3-3 draws in midweek, but there is a chance to use Sunday’s game as a platform to build momentum heading into February. Has Van Gaal really triggered a Rooney renaissance?
While Klopp admitted he was flattered by the advance from Ferguson, his loyalty to Borussia Dortmund meant he did not consider leaving Germany to take over at United. I think we have similar amount of possession in games. “Everybody who was in the stadium on Wednesday, if he or she can get tickets again then do it again”. We had a good team, we were in a good moment with Dortmund and we scored brilliant goals that day. He is more experienced, I am bit more lively on the sideline which maybe isn’t all good.
“We are different characters. I like derbies. It’s like salt in your soup”.
Manchester United now sit sixth in the Premier League table, with Liverpool three points behind them in ninth.
“First of all, I’m a football fan and as football fan I liked to be entertained”.
“Between these two things you have to play football people want to talk about”. It is not our problem, but it is a manager’s problem. The German tactician had become one of the most recognizable names and faces in the game, and had been pursued by some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
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“I’m a German football coach and worldwide ambassador for our national sport, just like a Warsteiner beer is seen as a German tradition”.
