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Jurgen Klopp admits his true feelings on Arne Slot being successful at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp admits his true feelings on Arne Slot being successful at Liverpool

Daily Mirror

time4 days ago

  • Sport
  • Daily Mirror

Jurgen Klopp admits his true feelings on Arne Slot being successful at Liverpool

Arne Slot took on the daunting task of succeeding Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and quickly silenced any doubters, winning the Premier League title in his first campaign Jurgen Klopp has revealed that he briefly wondered if he was actually happy watching Arne Slot take his Liverpool team and turn them into title winners. Slot, 46, has already lifted as many Premier League trophies in one season as Klopp did during his entire eight-and-a-half-year tenure, exceeding all expectations in his first 12 months at Anfield. The Reds were far from title favourites coming into the campaign but Slot's side barely put a foot wrong in the top flight to win the league at a canter. Klopp left a squad packed full of talent and experience for the Dutchman to inherit, having arrived Feyenoord with the daunting task of succeeding one of the biggest names in world football at one of its most successful clubs. ‌ There's still a long way to go for Slot to match Klopp's trophy haul and longevity, with the German considered one of the Reds' all-time greatest managers after leaving in May 2024. But there are already echoes of when Bob Paisley successfully took the reins from Bill Shankly, who built the foundations for Liverpool's golden era half a century ago. ‌ But how did Klopp feel watching Slot get off to a lightning-fast start with a team who'd finished third the previous season? "To be honest: when things started off so well under him, I briefly asked myself as a person whether I was happy that things were like this," the ex-Reds boss revealed to German newspaper Welt. "Yes, it's really good - it makes me happy." Klopp enjoys a good relationship with those at Liverpool, recently returning for an LFC Foundation event. "We're in very good contact - with some of the players who write now and then or send the occasional photo from their holidays," the 54-year-old continued. "The owners have become good friends. I've also written to Arne now and then; we've only seen each other once. He was pleased with my gesture back then." "I was recently back in Liverpool in my role as ambassador for the LFC Foundation, and it was nice to see everyone again. But I'm glad I don't have to be there every day anymore. My time in Liverpool was wonderful, but it's over. A colourful bouquet of memories - and 99 percent of them are good." Will Arne Slot eclipse Jurgen Klopp's legacy at Liverpool? Give us your prediction in the comments section. ‌ Klopp now works as Red Bull 's head of global football, overseeing the development of players and coaches at their stable of clubs. The German doesn't miss being on the touchline, affirming: "Red Bull didn't bring me in as a potential coach. "I'm supposed to pass on the experience I've gained as a head coach and manager, and I'm supposed to help younger colleagues develop. "We want to hire coaches for the right reasons and, if necessary, part ways with them for the right reasons. And for me, it's all about sporting development and not how it's perceived by the public. Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Jurgen Klopp sends warning to Florian Wirtz and admits Liverpool fee is 'insane'
Jurgen Klopp sends warning to Florian Wirtz and admits Liverpool fee is 'insane'

Daily Mirror

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Daily Mirror

Jurgen Klopp sends warning to Florian Wirtz and admits Liverpool fee is 'insane'

Florian Wirtz's move to Liverpool has smashed the British transfer record after the Reds agreed to pay a colossal £116million for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Jurgen Klopp has warned new Liverpool star Florian Wirtz that his £116million price tag will put a target on his back. Wirtz, 22, has joined the Reds in a British record-transfer deal, signing a lucrative five-year contract. Liverpool fended off interest from Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to sign the Germany international from Bayer Leverkusen. Klopp's former club will pay Leverkusen a fixed £100m plus £16m in potential add-ons. ‌ Despite describing Wirtz as an 'outstanding player', the ex-Reds boss can't help but baulk at the fee. In an interview with German newspaper Welt, Klopp said: "There's no question about it, it's an insane sum, and one that a player at Liverpool is aware of if things don't go well for two or three games. ‌ "We all agree that we're talking about a great player here. I know I once said that I'm out if we pay 100 million euros for a player. But the world is changing. That's just the way the market is." The 58-year-old went on to hail Wirtz, who has the difficult task of improving the Premier League champions. "I don't know exactly which position Arne (Slot) has Florian in mind for," Klopp noted. "He's an outstanding player who can give any club something great. Whether he'll make the reigning English champions even better remains to be seen." It's not the first time that Klopp has commented on Wirtz's record-breaking move to Anfield. Speaking to German broadcaster RTL last week, Red Bull's head of global football operations said: "It will be really, really great. I'm sure of it. "It's very difficult to strengthen them when you're champions. But Liverpool have managed that. They've signed an exceptional talent in Florian Wirtz." ‌ Klopp will be able to get the inside track on Wirtz's progress thanks to maintaining a strong relationship with Liverpool. "We're in very good contact - with some of the players who write now and then or send the occasional photo from their holidays," he revealed to Welt. "The owners have become good friends." Klopp also joked: "I've also written to Arne now and then; we've only seen each other once. He was pleased with my gesture back then. And to be honest: when things started off so well under him, I briefly asked myself as a person whether I was happy that things were like this." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Arne Slot warned Liverpool's new signing 'will get in Mohamed Salah's way'
Arne Slot warned Liverpool's new signing 'will get in Mohamed Salah's way'

Daily Mirror

time24-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Daily Mirror

Arne Slot warned Liverpool's new signing 'will get in Mohamed Salah's way'

Jeremie Frimpong was Liverpool's first signing of the summer to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and has been hailed as a great addition, but former Reds star Steve Nichol is not convinced about the right-back Former Liverpool star Steve Nichol has questioned Arne Slot's signing of Jeremie Frimpong, bizarrely claiming the right-back could "get in Mohamed Salah 's way" because both players love to get forward. Liverpool signed Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £30million as a direct replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold after his move to Real Madrid. ‌ Many pundits and fans have hailed the transfer as a smart piece of business after Frimpong's sensational performances for Leverkusen that helped them win their first ever Bundesliga title in 2023-24, as well as the cup double. ‌ But ex-Reds man Nichol is not convinced by Frimpong and says he can't see where the 24-year-old fits in at Anfield. The 63-year-old insisted he wasn't good enough defensively and risked interfering with Salah's play while bombing forwards. "Yeah, (it's Frimpong or Conor Bradley who start) if Salah's fit,' he said, speaking to ESPN. "If Salah's not fit then Frimpong starts where Salah plays. In the starting XI, everybody's fit, I don't see… no, (I'm not comfortable with Frimpong at right-back). "I'm interested to see what Arne Slot wants him to do. Because right now, in my head, I'm thinking, 'is he going to get in Salah's way?' That's what I'm thinking. Defensively, it's not good. It's just the same as Trent, he's not that great a defender. "Going forward he's got different attributes to what Trent had but again, I keep ending up at the same thing, is he going to get in Salah's way? "I think absolutely, if everybody's fit Bradley starts, I don't think Frimpong starts. I don't see where he fits in, I really don't." ‌ Frimpong was the first of two major deals Liverpool have completed this summer - with the other one being the biggest transfer of the window after ex-Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz joined him at Anfield for £116.5m. That was a British record buy. Meanwhile, left-back Milos Kerkez is on the verge of being announced as he prepares to complete a £45m move from Bournemouth. Other targets Slot is reportedly pursuing include Newcastle forward Alexander Isak and Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. A new defender is also high up on the Dutchman's priority list as he looks to find a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk. Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi has been linked.

Liverpool star sends two-word message to Florian Wirtz ahead of £116m transfer
Liverpool star sends two-word message to Florian Wirtz ahead of £116m transfer

Daily Mirror

time18-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Daily Mirror

Liverpool star sends two-word message to Florian Wirtz ahead of £116m transfer

Liverpool are edging towards a huge deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and one of the Reds' current stars has dropped a major hint that a deal could be very close indeed Jeremie Frimpong has made his feelings very clear on Florian Wirtz as Liverpool 's imminent signing edges towards a move. The Reds have already agreed a deal worth in excess of £100m with Bayer Leverkusen for the midfielder. He is currently on holiday but is expected to undergo a medical with Liverpool at the end of this week ahead of formally completing his move to Anfield. Ironically, Wirtz is currently on holiday with a man that the Merseysiders have already signed this summer - Jeremie Frimpong. ‌ The Dutchman completed a move earlier this year after Liverpool decided to activate a £35m release clause written into his Leverkusen contract. But he has remained close with Wirtz. ‌ Taking to Instagram, the defender reposted a snap that his former teammate shared on Instagram of the pair on a boat on holiday. He then added the caption 'my boy', with a red heart. It was the second time that Frimpong had shared the snap after also posting it on his Twitter account with the caption: 'Vacation mode with my bro.' Ahead of Wirtz officially becoming a Liverpool player, ex-Reds star Dietmarr Hamann has revealed exactly how the club convinced him to snub Bayern Munich in favour of a switch to the Premier League. Speaking to he said: 'Apparently Liverpool have been in contact with Florian Wirtz for a long time, he and his family were impressed with how the club went about their business. 'Liverpool tried to get him when he joined Bayer Leverkusen five years ago and have always been in touch, the interest then warmed again over the last year but nobody knew. ‌ What will Florian Wirtz bring to Liverpool? Share your thoughts in the comments below 'Bayern Munich were very vocal about wanting him so everyone expected him to go there, but from what I've heard, he met Arne Slot who showed him around the training ground and that's when he made his mind up. 'If there were any doubts for him, meeting all the staff put that to rest and I think he has made a fantastic choice. He won the league and cup in Germany and did so without needing to sign for Bayern. 'Liverpool have got a fantastic player, a skillful player that makes other players better. He has a fantastic understanding with Jeremie Frimpong which is another bonus and what I like about him is that he got kicked around quite a bit in Germany but he looks after himself.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

‘They walk into our starting XI' – £134million worth of former Man Utd stars reunite in Miami at Club World Cup
‘They walk into our starting XI' – £134million worth of former Man Utd stars reunite in Miami at Club World Cup

Scottish Sun

time17-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scottish Sun

‘They walk into our starting XI' – £134million worth of former Man Utd stars reunite in Miami at Club World Cup

Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FIVE former Manchester United stars worth a whopping £134million have reunited in Miami. The gathering of ex-Reds at the Club World Cup has sent fans into meltdown on social media. 7 Pogba was considered one of the best midfielders in the world before joining United Credit: PA 7 Cavani arrived at United as one of Europe's most potent strikers Credit: PA 7 Rojo joined United from Sporting Lisbon 7 Pogba shared this image with his old pals Credit: Instagram @paulpogba Sergio Romero, Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, and Edinson Cavani were all snapped together looking like they'd never left Old Trafford. It got even more exciting when the club's official X account posted the picture. The Red Devils alumni, who are now all playing for Boca Juniors in Argentina apart from Pogba, are in town for the newly re-designed and expanded Club World Cup. And Herrera had a tournament opener to forget after being sent off while on the bench in the 2-2 draw with Benfica. Former fan favourite Pogba, once United's record signing at £89million, stood tall alongside cult hero Cavani, who joined the club aged, 33, on a free transfer after a reported fallout with PSG following Neymar's arrival. WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN Romero, United's No2 for years, was also a free signing after leaving Sampdoria in 2015. Herrera was brought in for £29million and Rojo for £16million, both remembered for their passion and commitment on the pitch during their time in Manchester. United fans didn't hold back on social media, with one saying: "At least three of those players still walk into our current team, says a lot.' BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Then second followed: 'Pogba and Cavani – miss those vibes at Old Trafford.' Before a more emotional one read: 'We never knew how good we had it.' Lionel Messi appears to headbutt Club World Cup opponent as tempers flare in Inter Miami's opening match French midfielder Pogba is reportedly hoping to seal a move to Monaco and prove he's still got fire in his belly folloiwng his drugs ban. As for United fans still reeling from a dire season, seeing what they once had will do nothing to lift their mood. 7 Ander Herrera played 132 league games for Manchester United Credit: Getty - Contributor 7 He was sent off for Boca against Benfica Credit: Reuters

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