LONDON - Nine years ago, Wembley staged the first Champions League final between two German clubs. Today, it will host the first English cup final between two German managers. If Jurgen Klopp, in charge of Borussia Dortmund then and Liverpool now, is a common denominator, it suggests that German thinkers have won the footballing battle of ideas.
If it makes the meeting of Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, his successor at both Mainz and Dortmund, intriguing, the Liverpool and Chelsea managers are separated by as much as unites them. They are evangelists for the pressing game but today's clash pits Klopp's preference for chaos against Tuchel's fondness for control.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Dive deeper at $0.99/month
Want more exclusives, sharp insights into what's happening at home and abroad? Subscribe to stay informed.
ST One Digital Package - Monthly
$9.90 $0.99/month
No contract
$0.99/month for the first 3 months, $9.90/month thereafter. T&Cs apply.
Unlock these benefits
All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com
Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device
2-week e-paper archive so you never miss out on any topic that matters to you
