JURGEN KLOPP MAKES LOYALTIES CLEAR AS EX-LIVERPOOL BOSS RETURNS TO BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Jurgen Klopp has said he loves all three of his former teams the same after returning to Borussia Dortmund to take charge of a testimonial.

It was the first time the German found himself back in a dugout since leaving Liverpool at the end of last season. Prior to his lengthy and successful spell at Anfield, Klopp had been a huge hit at Dortmund, leading them to two Bundesliga titles and the Champions League final.

Two men who were part of that side - Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski. - were taking part in their testimonials with Klopp leading Blaszczykowski's outfit. He even put them through their paces during the week and paid tribute to the welcoming he received back in Germany.

It was with Mainz that Klopp first made his name, then taking his managerial career on further with Dortmund and then Liverpool. An emotional connection has been a huge part of the German's style in his previous roles - but he couldn't pick one club over another.

He said: "It's a lifelong dream come true. I wanted to have that again. Just a few months ago, I was given an emotional farewell in Liverpool. Today it was very emotional again. Some people might say that today he's like this and tomorrow he'll be like that. I explain it like this: when you have three children, you love them all. And that's the same with my three clubs. I love them all."

Klopp remains a man in demand having proved he could be a hit in the Premier League. He ensured Liverpool remained competitive throughout his tenure and Dortmund haven't hit such heights since his departure.

The 57-year-old has been linked with several major jobs in his homeland. The Germany job is currently occupied by Julian Nagelsmann, but Klopp is touted as a future manager. Bayern Munich too would be keen, but his connection with Dortmund may make that move difficult.

Klopp himself admits he has no desire to jump back into management, but hasn't ruled out a return once he's had some time to reflect. He said: "It's out of the question that I'll stop working altogether, but I don't see myself continuing at the same pace as before at the moment.

"A coach is a coach. And you do it with everything you have, or nothing at all. That's how I understand it. Now I'm taking my time off. How am I supposed to know how I'll feel during or after the time off, and what I want to do then? I have no idea. Let's wait and see."

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2024-09-08T10:59:31Z dg43tfdfdgfd