Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has praised Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the two clubs meeting in the Premier League this weekend.
It has been over ten years since Klopp first noticed Tuchel managing Mainz’s Under 19 team, and he says his fellow countryman has developed into an “absolutely sensational” coach since then:
“With the CV of Thomas, it was clear that he would end up in England at one point because he is obviously an exceptional coach.”
“Whatever he has done so far has been absolutely sensational, I have to say. At Mainz, he was successful. At Dortmund, he was successful. At PSG, he was massively successful. So, yeah, he did not choose the easy way but here he is at a top club in England.”
Comparisons between Klopp and Tuchel have been made regularly over the years, considering the Chelsea head coach succeeded Klopp as manager at both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund.
However, their styles of play are not that similar. Counter-pressing has been the focus of Klopp’s football for most of his managerial career, while Tuchel has prioritised possession.
The pair have been very successful over the last decade, nonetheless, with both having reached and won Champions League finals, as well as clinching league titles with their respective teams.
It will be very interesting to see who comes out on top when the Reds face Chelsea at Anfield on Saturday evening.