RB Leipzig host Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp’s looming shadow
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Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp with the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany at Bellevue Palace on Oct 1 to mark the unification day in Berlin.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LEIPZIG – RB Leipzig host Liverpool in the Champions League as Jurgen Klopp’s recent past and not-too-distant future collide.
The 57-year-old will not be at the Red Bull Arena on Oct 23 but his shadow still looms over the contest. Klopp stepped down as Liverpool manager in the summer, citing exhaustion after a successful nine-year spell, which included winning the Champions League and English Premier League.
In October, Klopp announced his return to football, not as a coach but running Red Bull’s football operations, which oversees clubs in several cities including Leipzig, Salzburg and New York. He will be absent from the game, choosing not to attend a match before starting the role in January.
While the appointment was a surprise in Germany and in England, the focus on Leipzig has been particularly acute. Klopp was again a topic of conversation by fans and media after Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Mainz on Oct 19.
Some fans held banners protesting the appointment, while reporters asked if Leipzig coach Marco Rose had asked Klopp for tips on how to beat the Reds on Oct 23.
Rose played under Klopp for several years at Mainz and the two maintain a good relationship.
He said he would “not be phoning up” his former coach for tips on how to beat Liverpool.
“Kloppo is in Mallorca, looking after his dog, his wife and his children. I will do everything (to beat Liverpool) but I won’t call Klopp. He needs his peace and quiet and needs to rest a bit. And I’ll grant him that,” said Rose.
Born and raised in Leipzig, Rose took the ambitious club to the 2023 German Cup title in his first season.
The 48-year-old followed it up with a run to the Champions League last 16, where Leipzig were narrowly eliminated by eventual champions Real Madrid.
This season, Leipzig have managed to hold on to most of their young talent, giving rise to hopes of a shot at the league title and a long run in Europe.
Although Leipzig are second to Bayern Munich on goal difference in the Bundesliga, the Champions League is another story, albeit with a tough draw. Leipzig conceded late to lose away at Atletico Madrid and at home against Juventus.
They have yet to claim a point in Europe this season, making the clash with the Premier League leaders even more important.
Marco Rose took the ambitious club to the 2023 German Cup title in his first season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Like Liverpool, Leipzig’s strong league form this campaign has been built on a miserly defence.
Leipzig have kept clean sheets in six of seven league games. The two goals they did concede came against Bayer Leverkusen in a game Leipzig won 3-2 away, the reigning champions’ first defeat on German soil in 15 months.
Starting the campaign under Klopp’s replacement Arne Slot, Liverpool have conceded just three goals in eight league games this season, by far the best mark in the Premier League. Peter Gulacsi, Leipzig’s goalkeeper, on Oct 19 recognised the similarities.
“Liverpool are extremely stable and don’t allow much at the back – just like us. That’s why it won’t be easy. Their style of play has changed a bit (under Slot), they play a bit more with the ball and are very structured,” he said.
“We’ve shown in the first two games we’re on par with our opponents, but now we have to finally reward ourselves for our hard work.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot at a training session on Oct 22.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne needs to be eased back into action after his layoff with a muscle injury, manager Pep Guardiola said, adding that the midfielder is a doubt for the Champions League match at home to Sparta Prague on Oct 23.
De Bruyne was injured against Inter Milan in the Champions League in September and has missed the English champions’ last six fixtures.
City are already without midfielders Rodri and Oscar Bobb due to long-term injuries, but Guardiola said he would resist the temptation to call on de Bruyne until the 33-year-old is comfortable.
“Well, except for Rodri and Oscar, the other ones are in training and getting better, but guys like Kevin for example are not exactly fit,” the Spaniard said.
“It’s not a new issue but he doesn’t feel completely fine. Kevin is not 22 years old, he has to be fit for his football. He doesn’t feel comfortable that he can express his incredible potential at his best.
“He is training better but he doesn’t feel good... If you don’t feel good, take your time.” AFP, REUTERS
