– Other top managers collect trophies, I collect relationships, says Jurgen Klopp.
The short version
- Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp resigns after the end of the season
- The team is seeking to achieve a perfect end by winning the English Premier League and will face Manchester United on Sunday
- Klopp talks about good relationships – Virgil van Dijk praises success under Klopp's management
- Virgil van Dijk believes Klopp will quickly return to football
The coach gives up on Liverpool after the season. Since the German's arrival in the fall of 2015, he has become loved by players and fans.
Now Liverpool and Klopp are aiming for a perfect finish by winning the Premier League. Sunday at 4:30 p.m Rivals Manchester United wait outside at Old Trafford.
– I like the intensity and focus in these matches, Klopp told Sky Sports.
In the interview, he is asked about his personality. Then he points out a difference between him and some of his colleagues.
-If I can improve the mood in the room, I'll try. Anything else is a waste of time. I love people. I am interested, curious, I want to learn and listen, says Klopp.
– It has given me a lot of wonderful moments, and I have a lot of people I care about and think about.
Liverpool striker Virgil van Dijk said he was a bit sad when Klopp informed the players at a meeting this winter of his resignation.
– I never thought I would play at Liverpool without him as coach. If you think of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp is the first thing that comes to mind. It's part of the city's culture,” Van Dijk tells The Times.
“The success we have achieved is unbelievable, what he has done since his arrival,” says Van Dijk.
Klopp promised that he would not coach any team in England again, and hinted that he would take a break from football. Van Dijk doesn't think this will last long.
– I think he will come back very quickly because he lives and breathes football. we will see.
Since the shock announcement on January 26, Liverpool have won seven out of nine Premier League matches.
Major Times columnist Alison Rudd praised the way Klopp and Liverpool managed despite injury problems during the season – and how the young players came into the team and performed.
“There should be fear and uncertainty. Instead, the team has shown countless examples of why Klopp feels he is leaving them in good stead.”
“His philosophy runs like threads of gold throughout the organization,” Rudd writes.
“Infuriatingly humble internet trailblazer. Twitter buff. Beer nerd. Bacon scholar. Coffee practitioner.”
