When Jurgen Klopp again takes his seat in the Anfield dugout for Liverpool's clash with Arsenal on Saturday, he'll know that things could have been different.
Because back when he was Borussia Dortmund boss in 2013, Klopp was being suggested as a potential replacement for Arsene Wenger in the Gunners hotseat.
In the event the German joined Liverpool in October 2015, some two-and-a-half years before the curtain came down on Wenger's 22 years of service in North London.
But speaking two years earlier prior to facing Wenger's Arsenal with his Dortmund side in a Champions League group game, Klopp could not have praised the Frenchman more.
“He is really something," Klopp told reporters in quotes carried by The Telegraph . "I love him. He is Sir. Sir Arsene Wenger for me."
That press conference was also the one which gave birth to one of the most oft-used phrases about the style of play that Klopp likes, with plenty of talk about "heavy metal football" following the German's arrival at Liverpool.
When discussing the difference between the style he likes and the one that Wenger prefers, Klopp said: “I think he likes having the ball, playing football, passes, it's like an orchestra. But it's a silent song, yeah?
"And I like heavy metal more. I always want it loud! I want to have this 'boom!'”
Klopp went on to say that this "heavy metal" style was crucial to his enjoyment of the game.
“That is what I love," he said.
"If the Barcelona of the last four years were the first team I saw playing when I was four years old – this serenity, they win 5-0, 6-0 – I would have played tennis.
"Sorry, that is not enough for me.
“Not serenity football but fighting football, that is what I like. What we call in German 'English'. Rainy day, heavy pitch, everybody dirty in the face and goes home and can't play football for the next four weeks.”
Klopp's style has evolved over time, and Liverpool certainly don't play "heavy metal" football any more.
But while his philosophy differed to Wenger's, his respect for the Gunners boss and the way he played the game was obvious.
Andykiller123
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Today they beat their father
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They are lose because of their father you know they have respect for him
Asim_Hakim
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keep doing the talks while Arsenal do the walk!!
Wht by 3-1 loss
maanka2019
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Today they beat their father
[image]
do they?
Nocdekmprt
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Wenger played with youngsters not big names and he won many trophies with them. The problem Wenger has during his last years as boss is defense and players inconsistence
Yes, I agree with you on that.
Wikcpstuy
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The guy is a true maestro 👑
the_Profe55or
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keep doing the talks while Arsenal do the walk!!
the_Profe55or
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keep doing the talks while Arsenal do the walk!
mepbdou
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Yeah man..Klopp rocks
Andykiller123
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Today they beat their father
Med1pro12
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Football doesn't save anyone's life, but it's our job to make the fans forget their problems in 90 minutes. Jürgen Klopp
ajena008
1
Klopp's team could never play the Wenger style. The fighting football anyone can play, but only serene football like we see in Barcelona, which Wenger cherishes and established at Arsenal, only specially and serene coaches can teach it.
Wenger played with youngsters not big names and he won many trophies with them. The problem Wenger has during his last years as boss is defense and players inconsistence
Cody01
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
I can't wait for that to happen.
fitbceksuy
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
and finally abmeyang we also destroy ur defenders
fitbceksuy
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
lacazette will destroy also destroy ur defenders
fitbceksuy
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
pepe he will destroy ur defenders
Nocdekmprt
2
Klopp's team could never play the Wenger style. The fighting football anyone can play, but only serene football like we see in Barcelona, which Wenger cherishes and established at Arsenal, only specially and serene coaches can teach it.
Hopkmopt
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
Arsenal has better players my ass!
Hopkmopt
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We don't play heavy metal football anymore my ass!
Cody01
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
Nah...Liverpool has better players..
Hamaclnort
2
"Not serenity football but fighting football, that is what I like. What we call in German 'English'. Rainy day, heavy pitch, everybody dirty in the face and goes home and can't play football for the next four weeks.” Finds this intriguing.. No Wonder Klopp loves physical, Fast and high pressing players.
hoeebisms009
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Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us
Arsenal do have better players but they don't play better football
GGMU4200
1
in other words Arsene Wenger's arsenal cry a lot where klopp's team bangs. klopp is a shrewd opponent
fitbceksuy
1
Jurgen is probably thinking we might lose cause arsenal have better players them us