KLOPP IS A GLAS ACT, THE BENCHMARK FOR US
OLIVER GLASNER argues that Jurgen Klopp has been a standard-bearer for all Bundesliga coaches – but the Crystal Palace boss is still aiming to pile more misery on the Liverpool manager’s farewell tour. Similar to Klopp, Austrian Glasner has found himself managing in England after successful seasons in Germany. The departing Liverpool boss was one of the first coaches to make the step from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. Since his arrival to Merseyside, it has become a well-trodden path. Like
Daniel Farke, David Wagner and Jesse Marsch before him, Glasner has switched to the Prem after success in Germany.
He is set to face Klopp for the first time in his career today. The Eagles chief, who had spells with Frankfurt and Wolfsburg, said: “Jurgen is an inspiration for many German-speaking coaches. He was performing at Borussia Dortmund so well and showed a new style of playing.
“It was very aggressive and it was fresh at the time when I was coming to the end of my career as a player.
“He had a lot of influence on my view of the game and still has. I think of his authenticity as well – whatever he says people will believe in him. This is his personality and it shows what a great manager and human he is.”
After Atalanta’s 3-0 win at Anfield on Thursday, Glasner’s Palace are boosted by the chance of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze playing together for the first time since he took over in February.
Glasner added: “I don’t know if they will start together but it will be good to have our players back together.
“Michael has shown that he can play inside as well as be able to dribble inside and he can be in the box when we are attacking on the other side.
“He has a natural feel for where he is dangerous and this is what we want to use, but within the team structure.”