Bayern Munich centre-back Mats Hummels has taken time to discuss what it was like working with Jurgen Klopp during the pair’s tenure at Borussia Dortmund.
Klopp signed Hummels in 2008 and together they won two Bundesliga titles, a number of cups and reached a Champions League final to boot.
Many Liverpool fans would love to see the German at the heart of our defence, but having just signed for Bayern on a lengthy contract – that isn’t going to happen…
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The player though believes that under Klopp’s guidance, we’ll achieve the success we’re striving for – because of the manager’s sheer will and man-management skills.
“We wouldn’t have had that success with another coach in Dortmund. He is very emotional. All the time. He can’t settle down,” began the 28-year-old.
“How intense? Every day, 100 per cent! The important thing is that when he thinks he made a mistake, he can really apologise to a player — whether that is alone or in front of the whole team. If he says something inappropriate, he realises it afterwards. He doesn’t take things personally.
“I can’t say I am a Liverpool fan, I don’t have a club in England. I just want Klopp to win. If he was coach of another team, I would support them. I cheer for Klopp!”
We should perhaps be glad Hummels is at Bayern, as if he wasn’t – he’d likely be starting for Manchester United…
“Yes, very close,” he told the The Daily Mail, when asked if he nearly signed for our bitter rivals.
“There were talks, several times in the last few years. I had offers from England or one of the three big Spanish clubs.
“But nothing got close like from England. Van Gaal wanted me but he wasn’t the only one. It is difficult for me to play in England now. I’m 28 next month and I’ve signed here for five years.”
In Joel Matip, we have one reliable centre-back, but with doubts surrounding the long-term suitability of Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Lucas – it’ll be interesting to see if Klopp does decide we need another at any point.