Liverpool’s Joel Matip has heaped praise on manager Jürgen Klopp, labelling the German’s brand of football as ‘special’.
Klopp is currently riding high on a wave of success at Anfield, having led them to their first Premier League title this season, ending a 30-year wait for the league title.
That came after winning the Champions League for the sixth time last season, as well as success in the European Supercup and Club World Cup.
His success has been built on an attacking, pressing brand of football that he perfected with previous clubs Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, where he also enjoyed significant success earlier in his career.
And Matip is a big fan of the style, labelling the heavy-metal brand of football, as Klopp likes to call it, as unique.
“He has a great team and a great game idea that every single player tries to internalize,” he told the Funke Mediengruppe, relayed by t-online.
“His intense style of football, giving the opponent no space to breathe, is special.”
Key to Klopp’s success at Anfield has been how he has changed the mentality at the club, particularly with the players.
When he arrived at Liverpool, he inherited a squad and club that was hurting following another failed title defence and miserable start to the season.
He has since worked to overhaul that mindset, transforming Liverpool – and by extension their supporters – into one of the most formidable sides around in terms of mentality.
Much of this work has been done through the German coach’s exceptional man-management skills; something Matip was keen to highlight.
“I don’t know how he does it,” he added.
“That’s his secret. But the fact is that his teams are going through fire for him.
“He manages to create a very special atmosphere in the team and to make it clear that you can only be successful if you submit to the big picture.
“(He has) implemented this mentality into the minds of the players, the fans and the whole club, thus creating a great unity.
“He’s an extraordinary coach, unrivalled anywhere in the world.”
