Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has recounted a brilliant interaction with Jurgen Klopp on the “joy of football” during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Klopp is one of the most animated managers in Europe, so much so that sitting near the dugout at the game can often devolve into largely watching the Reds boss instead.
Ahead of last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Man City, he explained that “the most important job of football is entertaining the people,” and this is clearly his approach.
One of the most enthralling endings to a match so far this season came against Sarri’s Blues at the end of September, when Daniel Sturridge‘s incredible strike sealed a shock draw.
But as the Italian told Corriere dello Sport in an interview this month, Klopp was already enjoying the game before his No. 15 struck.
“There are moments when the grand spectacle of it all convinces you to put aside any regrets. Even if you concede at the last minute or five minutes into stoppages,” Sarri said.
“That was an extraordinary show. Just 10 minutes earlier, I saw Klopp looking at me with the game going on.
“I asked: ‘Why are you smiling?’. He replied: ‘Aren’t you having fun?’.
“I said ‘so much’, and he added ‘me too’. He was losing at the time. Even after the equaliser, remembering that moment, we hugged like two old friends.
“I’m sure he would’ve done the same even if Liverpool hadn’t equalised. The Premier League has this joy of football.”
This anecdote shows exactly why Liverpool supporters have taken to Klopp so avidly, and why the charismatic German is the perfect fit for Anfield.
Though he is yet to bring silverware back to Merseyside, losing in each of the three finals he has led the Reds to so far, he has created lasting memories for the Kop.
While trophies serve as tangible proof of success, it is often entertaining performances and big moments that endure longer, such as Sturridge beating Kepa with his first touch.
Naturally, supporters are eager to win the Premier League and the Champions League this season, and Liverpool certainly have a claim to both given their improving strength under Klopp.
But Sarri’s testimony highlights why Klopp already deserves cherishing as one of the cornerstones of the club, three years after joining.
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