Klopp’s Fergie call-up
JURGEN KLOPP has revealed that he has Sir Alex Ferguson on speed-dial – despite twice rejecting his own chance to become manager of Manchester United.
The Kop boss said it is an honour to be part of Ferguson’s inner circle, with the rivalry between United and Liverpool cranked back up by their duel at the top of the Premier League.
Klopp rejected an offer from Sir Alex (above) in the spring of 2013 to succeed him at Old Trafford, opting instead to commit to Borussia Dortmund.
And when United Executive Vice-chairman Ed Woodward launched a second charm offensive as David Moyes’ reign was coming to an end a year later, the German said no again.
Klopp said: “I have never thought how it would have been for me in Manchester. Not once. Not one second.
“I am completely fine here. I am in the right place and it’s all good.
“Even the weather is better in Liverpool than in Manchester.
“I think Sir Alex has forgiven me because we have contact. He texts me.
“Sir Alex changes his telephone number quite frequently and I always get the new version.
“So that’s a big honour. He texts me to say, ‘This is my new number’ and I always think, ‘Wow!’.
“I have a really good relationship with Sir Alex, but in this game he wants United to win and I want Liverpool to win.”
When Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford in 1986 he famously made it his mission to ‘knock Liverpool off their perch’ as England’s most successful club.
When he retired 26 and a half years later, United had usurped Liverpool by claiming a 20th title.
Klopp, who arrived at Anfield in October 2015, has adjusted that balance. He won the Champions League in 2019 and ended the Reds’ 30-year wait for the title when he guided them to their 19th championship last season.
Klopp said: “The potential of United is incredible, of course so I don’t know about their next 30 years – but who cares?
“The only United challenge I am really interested in is when you face them – and they are always tough games.
“Am I surprised they didn’t win the league in the last eight years? No. Even when you are United or Liverpool you only win the title because you are
the best that season.”