Jürgen Klinsmann’s time at Tottenham may have been brief, but he certainly left a mark on both the club and English football.
At a time when many of the greatest stars around the world weren’t drawn to the country, Klinsmann rocked up and turned it on.
Accused of diving by the media, the German turned the claims into a joke by launching himself into dives as a goal celebration. It was a fun time before actions like that would lead to the country moralising as a whole and making an overly big deal out of it.
He left for Bayern Munich and then saw his career out at Sampdoria, from where he returned to Spurs on loan, and Orange County Blue Star.
Going on to manage Germany, Bayern Munich and the US national team, Klinsmann is somehow still inly 54 years of age.
Ahead of Tottenham playing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, SportBild called him in for an interview. The magazine’s first question was about the ‘myth’ of his former club and what makes them so special.
“I think Tottenham’s identification with their fans and the Tottenham district is incredibly deep,” explained Klinsmann. “People live in Tottenham around White Hart Lane – and in 130 years, a Spurs fan base has evolved all over the world. No matter where I travel today, I meet Tottenham fans everywhere.”
Then asked what sets Spurs apart from other London clubs, the Manchester teams and Liverpool, he said: “What distinguishes the club is its proximity to the people. It’s a hands-on club, and you will be just part of this family culture. And Tottenham’s footballing style was always more entertaining than that of the other clubs in London. In addition, the support of the fans is unique, because always the whole stadium sings and gives the team energy.
“Similar to Dortmund, Tottenham fans will feel when a game tilts and have tremendous footballing expertise. They want to see technically good and fast football, and they love players who can decide things by themselves. Like Harry Kane or Dele Alli now.”
See, he still loves you Spurs fans.
