A KNIGHT THAT I WON’T FORGET Lure of Bayern Beck-ons Jurg
Klopp was clearly touched by Beckenbauer’s lofty comments that he could take over at the Allianz Arena where he was once president.
Beckenbauer said: “Jurgen was the one who taught the Germans how to play football quickly.”
High praise indeed but Klopp is obviously going nowhere at the moment as he drives Liverpool to what would be a mind-blowing Champions League and Premier League double.
But as a proud German, could he ever resist the call home in years to come? The Kaiser is under no illusions that Klopp – who won back-toback titles with Borussia Dortmund – is the man for the Bayern job.
Klopp said: “Someone told me what he said after the game but no, it doesn’t put pressure on me. I am blessed that I know him for 14 years.
“We were brought together for television. Knowing him is something quite special. I think I can say we are friends. We don’t talk a lot but I am not surprised that he said positive things about me.
“When he always speaks about me he speaks positively which is nice. It is just like the king knighting a man ‘Sir’. There is no bigger football legend in Germany than Franz Beckenbauer so it is great.
“It is also a compliment to Liverpool. Listen, Bayern have done everything right in the last 10, 15 years without making many mistakes.
“Hopefully, in 50 or 60 years I will be remembered without referring to managing many different clubs. I am happy with the clubs I’ve had now.”
It’s a widespread thought, especially in the Red half of Merseyside, that Klopp and Liverpool go together like bier and keller.
So does the Kop boss believe that the two are a perfect fit?
Klopp, ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage today, added: “Yes, but if we lose against Fulham what will those people think then? That is the world out there.
“Like all human beings I like it when people speak positively about me but I don’t need it. I have my family and friends and if they think positively about me then that is the most important thing.
“But yes, it is a really good fit and I love it. There are a lot of opportunities to develop an already really good football team. Now they are together, now let’s work, now let’s try to make the most of it.
“One day, though, you win a game and you are the best. The next you lose a game and have no clue about football. I have enough confidence to say that I am the right manager for this club at the moment.
“But we will see how it is in the future. We all constantly have to prove ourselves