KLOPP
Jurgen Klopp has
revealed his admiration for Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson – even
if, as Liverpool manager, he admits he may have to keep it quiet.
Ferguson listed Liverpool as one of five candidates for the
Premier League title this week in a compliment that did not go unnoticed by
Klopp.
The pair have come across each other through work before,
most notably at a UEFA Elite Coaches Forum two years ago, and built a mutual
respect.
Klopp was then in charge of Borussia Dortmund and without
club rivalry to cloud his judgment, but even now at United’s bitter rivals his
thoughts of Ferguson are still positive.
Asked about the 74-year-old Scot on Friday, Klopp joked:
‘What can I say? Is it allowed for me to say that I like Alex Ferguson... as
the Liverpool manager?
‘I knew him before. He's a really nice person. He did what
he had to do at Manchester and that meant ultimately it wasn't good for
Liverpool.’
Ferguson hailed the way Klopp had brought life back into
Liverpool to turn them into title contenders again. 'He has done a really good
job and revived Liverpool's enthusiasm,' he told Kicker.
'It can happen that big clubs lose it. For two decades,
Liverpool changed managers without building their own identity.
'You can see Klopp's dedication on the sideline - I'm
convinced his work in training is similar. He's a strong personality. That's
absolutely vital at a big club.'
Klopp was unfazed by the praise and shot down any suggestion
that it was provided as anything other than a straightforward compliment.
Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, level
on points with Manchester City at the summit and six points clear of
seventh-placed United.
‘When he has
something positive to say about Liverpool it's better than him saying something
negative,’ the Liverpool boss said. ‘It's all good but it doesn't mean a lot.
‘I'm pretty sure Alex Ferguson didn't go out of his house
and say: “I've got something I'd like to say about Liverpool”.
‘Some people asked a few questions and he gave a few answers
– that's how it was. It's okay. It doesn't help or disturb us.’
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