Tough at the Klopp
Pool boss hints that his long-term future’s in doubt
JURGEN KLOPP insists he is not feeling the pressure – but then gave a hint that there are doubts over his long-term future.
The German faces the biggest crisis of his five-year Liverpool reign ahead of today’s FA Cup fourth-round blockbuster with Manchester United at Old Trafford. Klopp, 53, said: “I have dealt with the pressure I put on myself my entire life, so I am used to that. “It is really difficult to make me really happy in the long term with something. “Short term, I am quite easy to excite, but then in the long term it is not easy.” And Jens Lehmann says Germany would welcome back Klopp with open arms. The former Gunners star says Klopp remains a hero in his homeland. “I don’t know if it’s a national pride, but it’s
good to have a German coach in the Premier League who seems to be the best of all of them,” said Lehmann.
“Germans call him ‘King Klopp’ because he was so successful with Dortmund. We think he’s the world’s best coach.
“He is quite humble too as he knows his strength is managing people.
“As for weaknesses in himself, he’s supported through his staff. I know his assistant coach and a couple of the other guys – they are a fantastic team.
“But it always takes the guy at the top to manage that and address his own weaknesses and to get everyone together.
“When he’s 60, he may do it, but probably not now. I don’t see him taking time out when he leaves Liverpool.
“And it is hard to judge with his personality if he’d be happy to coach every few months.
“He seems to be a hands-on manager who loves to coach every day, but with the national team it’s a little bit of a holiday in between matches.”