Jurgen Klopp explains ‘change in perspective’ as Liverpool icon set for new role | Football | Sport
Jurgen Klopp has accepted a new role ahead of the World Cup (Image: PETER POWELL, AFP via Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp is relishing the prospect of working alongside one of his ex-players at this summer’s World Cup. The former Liverpool boss will be present in the United States, Mexico and Canada for football’s biggest tournament after accepting a punditry role in his native Germany.
This summer marks two years since Klopp brought the curtain down on his iconic reign at the helm of Liverpool. Shortly afterwards, he took up a position as Red Bull‘s head of global football, but he will embrace a fresh challenge as a pundit for MagentaTV this summer. He is particularly looking forward to teaming up with one of his former charges, Mats Hummels, in the studio.
Hummels was a key figure and influential leader in the Borussia Dortmund sides that clinched back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Klopp in 2011 and 2012.
The recently-retired defender will be joining Klopp and former Germany team-mate Thomas Muller in the World Cup punditry studio.
Klopp reflected on how the new dynamic between the pair has “changed the perspective” somewhat.
“So many [of my] former players are part of the World Cup, which is really, really nice,” he told BBC Sport.
“And to see how time flies, another former player of mine will be a co-pundit of mine, Mats Hummels. Thomas Muller as well, but Mats Hummels was my former player. So, all of a sudden, things changed the perspective.”
Hummels, 37, retired last year following a one-season stint at Roma, the only campaign of his career spent outside Germany.
Nevertheless, he returned to Dortmund for a farewell cameo in a friendly against Juventus.
Mats Hummels was a key player during Klopp’s time at Borussia Dortmund (Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The pair achieved remarkable things together at the Westfalenstadion, long before Klopp became the iconic figure supporters recognise today.
In many respects, Liverpool fans may owe Hummels a debt of gratitude for the considerable role he played in the triumphs that ultimately brought one of the Reds’ most celebrated managers to Anfield.
Klopp also painted a warm picture ahead of Scotland’s group-stage encounter against Brazil at the World Cup.
Andy Robertson and Alisson are set to face one another in that fixture, which could take place in the very same summer that both players depart the club.
Klopp also namechecked Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane and reigning titleholder Alexis Mac Allister as players he is eager to see shine at the tournament.
However, it was one Liverpool player he never had the privilege of managing who received the most prominent mention of all.
“I hope [Florian] Wirtz will have a fantastic, fantastic World Cup,” he said. “I think he has everything you need to be a standout player.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on the boy. I really think he showed already how good he can be in a difficult season.”
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