James Milner has worked with a number of talented managers during his career, such as Roberto Mancini, Manuel Pellegrini and Fabio Capello – but reckons Jurgen Klopp might just be the best…
Liverpool’s boss has turned the former right winger into a left-back and it seems to be working. Milner’s been lethal from the penalty spot to bag four goals and has registered an assist as well this term. He’s been a constant menace down the left flank, able to cut inside and join in with play on his right foot.
As a result, the Englishman has praised Klopp following our 2-1 win over Swansea on Saturday.
“I’ve probably had too many managers but every manager is different,” said Milner, quoted in Monday’s Daily Telegraph (via Sky Sports). “They all have their own strengths and weaknesses.
“He [Klopp] is a top manager and he’s definitely one of the best that I have worked with. His organisation sessions are different to anything else that I have ever experienced.
“His passion can only be a good thing. Sometimes, when he is bouncing on the touchline with enthusiasm, the only thing you could say is that he is maybe too emotional.”
Liverpool were losing at the Liberty Stadium after 45 minutes at the weekend, following a pretty lacklustre display, in truth. Milner says Klopp was clearly angry, but held it in in order to deliver pragmatic instructions.
Other managers would have let rip, but Klopp sees more sense in tactical advice and encouragement.
“He held it in just enough,” Milner said. “We knew he was angry, you could tell, but he still put his words across well.
“It’s easy to fly off the handle and not be very productive. We know how emotional he is but he did a great job. He said the right things and we came out and performed how we should.
“He deserves a lot of credit. He is top manager. He has proved that before and hopefully we can be very successful with him.”
Liverpool now sit on 16 points from 7 matches, a very good start considering the teams we’ve had to face. It’s Manchester United up next after the international break, so for Klopp his target will be to get the likes of Dejan Lovren, Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana fit for their trip to Merseyside.