Liverpool boss Klopp discusses Pele, pets and power naps

Oli Fisher
Jurgen Klopp: Secret admirer of Celine Dion

Jurgen Klopp: Secret admirer of Celine Dion

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already established himself as one of the most entertaining bosses in the managerial business.

Thanks to an interview with the Liverpool Echo, we now know ‘The Normal One’ on a more personal basis, as the loveable German discusses pets, American culture and the Sturridge dance. He began by discussing his favourite footballer.

“My father gave me some advice when I was very young – whatever someone tells you in the future, don’t forget Pele is the best.

“I met him once. I am not often nervous but in this moment I was shaking. He’s a wonderful person.”

The former Dortmund boss admitted the key to penalties is keeping a clear plan.

“Have a plan. There is a place in the net where the keeper cannot reach the ball. The problem is the pressure you feel in a penalty shootout. I didn’t take many penalties but I never missed one. You just need to stick to your plan.”

Klopp was then asked about three things he wants to do while in America.

“Watching the Super Bowl live, watching the NBA finals live (I already did that) and watching a baseball game live because I have no idea why so many people in America watch it. I have to feel it.”

The Liverpool manager discussed his love of animals.

“Yes, a dog called Emma. The most beautiful dog in the world. A collie mix. When I was young there was a famous dog on TV called Lassie, a collie, the smartest dog in the world.

“Emma is the centre of our family and everyone loves her. I love pets, especially dogs.”

Liverpool

Back to football, and Klopp described how it would feel to have success with the Reds.

“It would mean everything. To be really successful and win a title with a great club like Liverpool would be 100% one of the greatest things I could ever imagine.”

He also discussed his relationship with another Jurgen, American national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

“We have met a few times. I like him. He’s a nice guy but it’s not a battle. We can both be good at the same time because we manage different teams.”

According to the 49-year-old, the Sturridge dance is addictive.

“The problem is when you start you cannot stop. Try it! If you do it long enough then you can fly.”

What does Klopp think of Liverpool compared to Dortmund?

“It’s the best club in the world. If you have no idea about football you can convince them. If you are born as a Dortmund fan then it’s difficult to say come to us.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Borussia Dortmund

“If you are young and open, and start loving football and really think about it then there are not a lot of alternatives to LFC. If you are a fan of another club it’s okay too. But if you want to be a fan of ‘the’ club then it’s Liverpool FC.”

He also talked about his love of power naps.

“Yeah, I do actually. Your father told your mother that?

“You can sleep between lessons but not during them.

“I don’t have a power nap when I have training. I take it so I am fresh again for the next session.”

How did he explain his decision to go and see Celine Dion in Las Vegas?

“It was quite easy because my wife Ulla loves Celine Dion and my two sons were with us.

“When she started singing, Ulla started crying and she’s not that emotional. We were all surprised. It was a great concert. She’s a fantastic singer and we had a lot of fun that night.”

And would he actually send his players to Alcatraz if they misbehaved?

“No, that was only a joke! Nobody should be afraid of this. No-one should stay there longer than necessary.

“Thank you for your questions. This was the most beautiful bunch of journalists I have ever met.”