Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Klopp the complete boss
VIRGIL van Dijk believes Liverpool have the “complete manager” in Jurgen Klopp, whom he insists is so much more than a touchline cheerleader.
The German again goes head-to-head with arguably the greatest coach of his generation in Pep Guardiola, against whom he has a better record than anyone else, having won seven of their 13 encounters.
But while the Manchester City boss is quite rightly hailed as a footballing genius, the praise for Klopp can be less forthcoming, with the assumption being the brand of football he plays is less complex, while his over-thetop technical-area antics often detract from a more rounded assessment of his tactics.
Van Dijk, who has only worked with the 50-year-old for just over three months, says there is plenty more the public do not see.
“He is the complete manager. He is a fantastic team manager, player manager as well and everyone is working hard together,” said the Holland captain.
“Obviously that interaction with crowd stays more in people’s minds because that is what you see, but he is much more than that.
“You don’t see all the hard work we put in behind the scenes. He has shown he is an outstanding manager.”
Klopp’s tactical nous will come under scrutiny tonight as his side take a 3-0 lead into their Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Many have questioned previously whether Klopp’s sides can kill off games when they need to and make a departure from their highpressure, attacking game.
That puts the focus firmly on their defensive structure at the Etihad.