Mats Hummels, who played under Jurgen Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, says that his ex-boss “eats, lives, breathes and thinks football,” and has backed his compatriot to succeed at Anfield.
Following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal on Sunday, Klopp is now reported to be close to agreeing a three-year deal at Anfield.
According to the Telegraph, among others, the German will arrive on Merseyside on Thursday to complete his move to the Anfield club and undertake his first managerial role outside of Germany.
Dortmund captain Hummels, speaking ahead of Germany’s Euro 2016 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, said his ex-boss would do well with the Reds.
“There’s no doubt he’s a fantastic coach and when people put their mind to the question of ‘what does he do post-Dortmund?’ then clubs like Liverpool naturally come into the equation,” said the 26-year-old, who won two Bundesliga titles and reached a Champions League final under Klopp’s guidance.
He eats, lives, breathes and thinks football day after day and is a fantastic addition to any team. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for him in his next venture.
Hummels’ national team manager Joachim Löw also believes that Klopp can bring much longed-for success to Anfield: “I’m not really party to the negotiations but I do know talks are taking place. He’s had a fantastic, extraordinary time in Dortmund and created lots of emotions among the supporters.
“Looking from afar, there are comparisons you can make between Dortmund and Liverpool in terms of the supporter culture of both clubs. If they can work it out, he can be a great addition to any team.”
Klopp left Dortmund after seven years at the helm at the end of last season, and has been on sabbatical since.
The only other club the 48-year-old has managed is Mainz 05, whom he also spent his entire professional playing career with.
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