RB Leipzig defender Lukas Klostermann has hailed Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and his ability to ‘tickle out the last percentages’ from his team.
Klopp has established himself as one of the best coaches in the world since 2010 when he rose to prominence with Borussia Dortmund.
His seven-year spell with the German side saw them win the Bundesliga and DFL Supercup twice, the DFB Pokal once and finish as runners-up in the Champions League in 2013.
He eventually ended up at Liverpool in 2015 and has only built on his legacy since, re-establishing the Reds as one of the top teams in Europe.
He’s won every trophy possible at Anfield, with a Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League title to his name so far, as well as success in the Super Cup and Club World Cup.
The German is very much now among the legendary managers of the game, and Klostermann is certainly a fan.
“He conveys a lot of emotion,” he told Leipziger Volkszeitung.
“I think that can give a team that certain kick. But we also have a coach who puts his heart and soul into it and also shows his emotions during the game.
“I think that’s great. That can tickle out the last percentages in a team.”
Klostermann was commenting on Liverpool ahead of his current side, RB Leipzig, meeting them in pre-season tomorrow.
The two sides actually met each other in the Champions League last season, with Liverpool running out 2-0 winners in both legs of their last 16 meetings.
The two sides have something of a special connection given several of Liverpool’s current squad is currently filled with former RB Leipzig stars such as Ibrahima Konate and Naby Keita.
They’ve enjoyed great success at Anfield since their departures, and Klostermann is looking forward to the reunion.
“I don’t have that much contact with them anymore, but I’m happy to see them again,” he added.
“I think Liverpool have one of the best teams in Europe. There are five or six teams at the top that are of the same level, and only nuances decide.
“We can look forward to a great game, also to see where we are at the moment.”
