Jürgen Klopp has spoken highly of a manager who he is about to face and who has recently admitted he was a supporter of Liverpool and could emerge as his ideal heir.
Liverpool taking on Tottenham this weekend promises to be a special encounter. Both teams have begun the season in positive form, and are unbeaten so far. But for Jürgen Klopp’s new Liverpool 2.0, this is the biggest challenge they will have faced.
Getting a victory away from home against Tottenham in a ground where the Reds have struggled at times recently is going to be a difficult task, especially with Tottenham having started the season so brightly under Ange Postecoglou.
Despite losing Harry Kane, Tottenham look a completely different side for the better this season. Free-scoring and playing very attractive football, Postecoglou has instilled an exciting style and philosophy that seems to be getting the best out of his players.
Speaking ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference, Klopp gave special praise to Postecoglou and his impact in North London since arriving at the club.
“Ange Postecoglou seems to be a top bloke,” Klopp said in his pre-match press conference (which you can watch in full via the Blood Red YouTube channel).
“Everyone knew already how good he is as a coach when you see Celtic playing. All at Tottenham were desperate for some attacking football. They are a well-set-up team and exciting to watch. It will be a real test for both of us.”
For Postecoglou, the game promises to be special as well. This is the first time he will face the club he supported as a kid in a competitive fixture. Speaking to BBC Sport a few weeks back, Postecoglou revealed he was a Liverpool fan growing up.
“I always wanted to be a manager. I loved the game. I loved all of it, not just playing. I would get three-month-old Shoot magazines, Roy of the Rovers. I would read everything. I was a massive Liverpool fan, I loved Bill Shankly, I loved the boot room stories,” Postecoglou explained.
After that admission, presenter Gary Lineker asked him whether he was still a fan of Liverpool. “Well, I’ve taken the posters down mate… last week!” Postecoglou responded.
Sooner or later, Liverpool will eventually have to find a successor to Klopp’s throne at Anfield. The German will not remain at Liverpool forever, and while he still has just under three years left on his contract, it’s never too early to draw up a shortlist. Based on his impact at Tottenham so far, and his previous track record at Celtic and Japan, Postecoglou’s name should definitely be on that list.
His attacking style of play and brilliant man management make him an ideal candidate to succeed Klopp. And if he manages to get the better of the Liverpool manager on Saturday, that will only be further confirmed. Liverpool will hope that won’t be the case, but regardless of what happens, Postecoglou is definitely a manager worth keeping an eye on.
