Though Jurgen Klopp will not be on the sidelines, his influence still reverberates across the fixture, making this not just another Champions League tie, but a clash steeped in personal history.
RB Leipzig will welcome Liverpool to the Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night, a match charged with significance as it aligns Jurgen Klopp’s recent past with a tantalising future in football.
Though Klopp will not be on the sidelines, his influence still reverberates across the fixture, making this not just another Champions League tie, but a clash steeped in personal history.
The renowned manager, who stepped down from his position at Liverpool last summer after an arduous nine-year tenure marked by silverware – including the prestigious Champions League and Premier League trophies – has found new purpose.
Announcing his return to the football scene earlier this month, Klopp has taken on the role of overseeing football operations at Red Bull, responsible for clubs including Leipzig, Salzburg, and New York.
However, he has opted to remain absent from Wednesday’s encounter as he embraces his new responsibilities, managing his time as he prepares for a match in early 2025.
"We look at it game by game and we try to bring out the best possible team for tomorrow." 👊
The boss on momentum and improvement 🗣️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 22, 2024
Adding an intriguing twist to the tale, Klopp’s former clubs – Mainz, Liverpool, and Borussia Dortmund – feature prominently in Leipzig’s fixture list following his announcement, creating palpable tension and anticipation among fans and pundits alike.
Following Leipzig’s impressive 2-0 victory over Mainz last Saturday, Klopp was a hot topic of discussion in Germany, with Leipzig fans even brandishing banners in response to his appointment, illustrating the divided sentiments surrounding his new position.
Marco Rose, Leipzig’s head coach and a former player under Klopp at Mainz, finds himself at the forefront of these discussions. When quizzed about whether he would consult Klopp for strategies to counter his old club, Rose’s diplomatic response emphasised both respect and distance.
🎙️ Marco Rose on @LFC:
"They are strong at pressing and work hard defensively. They are physical and a strong team without possession, something that they were good at under Jürgen Klopp and now Arne Slot is doing it in his own way. Their game hasn't changed much, they still… pic.twitter.com/Tw9DfUeEt7
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) October 22, 2024
“Klopp is in Mallorca, looking after his dog, his wife and his children,” Rose remarked, clarifying his intention to respect Klopp’s need for family time, while confirming his determination to secure victory against the Reds.
Born and raised in Leipzig, Rose has already made significant strides with the club, guiding them to win the German Cup in his debut season and reaching the Champions League last 16 in the previous one.
This season, Leipzig has successfully retained a core group of young talent, bolstering their aspirations for Bundesliga glory and a compelling European campaign.
Currently, they sit second in the league, merely on goal difference behind Bayern Munich, yet their Champions League journey is proving challenging. With no points gained from the first two matches, including troubling losses to Atletico Madrid and Juventus, Wednesday night’s fixture is crucial for Leipzig’s continental ambitions.
Echoing Klopp’s tactical acumen, Leipzig has built their strong league performance on a foundation of resolute defending, having recorded clean sheets in six of their last seven league games. Meanwhile, Liverpool has also flourished under Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, conceding only three goals in eight matches.
“Liverpool are extremely stable and don’t allow much at the back – just like us,” noted Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulasci.
He remarked on the structural shift in Liverpool’s gameplay, acknowledging the challenge that lies ahead: “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.”
As the teams prepare to face each other, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that will resonate across cities and echo the legacy of one of football’s most celebrated managers.
AFP
