Liverpool Echo

Robert Lewandowski explains how Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is like a 'bad teacher'

Liverpool Echo logo Liverpool Echo 11/01/2021 16:59:15 David Byrom
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Robert Lewandowski has paid a glowing tribute to father figure Jurgen Klopp over his management style.

The Bayern Munich star has a close relationship with Liverpool boss Klopp due to their time at Borussia Dortmund together.

Writing in the Players' Tribune, Lewandowski described Klopp as a coach who is like the teacher that demands more from their pupils.

Yet the striker also revealed that Klopp never forgets the human element to his interactions with players.

He said: "Jurgen was not only a father figure to me. As a coach, he was like the 'bad' teacher. And I mean that in the best sense of the word.

"He was not content to let you be a B student, you know? Jurgen wanted A+ students. He didn't want it for him. He wanted it for you.

"Jurgen never forgot that we were humans first and footballers second. I remember one time we were in the dressing room after having a weekend off. And, you know, the classic trick when a player has been out drinking is to eat a lot of garlic the morning after, so that your breath doesn't stink of alcohol. So Jurgen came in before training and began sniffing around.

"He was like a hunting dog. Sniff, sniff. Sniff, sniff . Finally, he said, 'I smell . something . is it garlic?'

"Of course he knew that it was. And we knew that he knew. But he just left the question hanging in the air and walked away without saying a word more.

"It was silent for a moment, and then we all looked at each other and started laughing.

"The lesson: Never try to fool Jurgen Klopp. The man's too smart!"

Lewandowski revealed how Klopp was able to help him adapt to life in the Bundesliga with a training ground bet that eventually saw him develop into one of the best finishers on the planet.

He said: "When I arrived I could barely speak a word of German. I knew danke. Thank you. I knew scheisse. The weather was rainy and grey. And with Klopp, the intensity in training was very, very high.

"I was desperate to make my mark, and Jurgen wanted to challenge me. So in the first few months we made a little bet. If I scored 10 goals in a training session, he'd give me 50 euros. If I didn't, I'd give him 50 euros.

"The first few weeks, I had to pay up almost every time. He was laughing. But after a few months, the tables turned. I was the one raking in the cash.

"So one day he said, 'Stop! O.K.! That's enough. You're ready now.'"

lundi 11 janvier 2021 18:59:15 Categories: Liverpool Echo

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