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Impossible For Jurgen Klopp to Coach FC Barcelona: Liverpool Boss Would “Play Tennis” If He Watched Xavi’s Side in Childhood

Published 01/27/2024, 11:21 PM EST

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It’s barely past two days since Jurgen Klopp announced the end of an era between him and Liverpool. But, to the shock of many, FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez also took a similar step by calling it quits after the season. Among the public chatter suggesting Klopp, who has in fact coached Barca in two games with one victory, take up the Blaugrana responsibility, the German’s witty old tennis comment has resurfaced, indicating he knew much more about the club’s style of play while envisioning himself in those shoes.

The Barcelona squad, filled with top talents like Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, and Ilkay Gundogan, can go a long way toward securing them more trophies. What is the hindrance to Klopp joining FC Barcelona despite such potential?

‘Tranquil’ Barcelona and heavy metal: Klopp has his unique pick

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The German took both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool to glory. But Jurgen Klopp, way before joining the Reds, felt he was not made for FC Barcelona, despite it being a force then. In 2013, Klopp told La Vanguardia, “If the Barcelona of the last four years had been the first team, I first saw play when I was four years old… with that tranquility, winning 5-0, 6-0… I would have been playing tennis.He showcased his appreciation for the quality and style of soccer in England that he claimed Arsene Wenger inculcated.

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Moreover, he asserted, “Wenger likes to play football like a silent orchestra, I like heavy metal more,” while making his preferences clear. Moving aside from Barcelona, Jurgen Klopp’s success involved a lot of strategy on and off the field. He had to plant and nurture a squad from scratch with a fairly moderate net spend at Liverpool, according to his unique style of play. The players in his squad tend to use more power and extravaganza, which, according to Klopp, doesn’t suit FC Barcelona, and he would have taken up tennis instead. His teams always tend to play a direct pressing and attacking game with long passes, quick runs into the boxes, and scoring.

Contrarily, FC Barcelona’s team is used to playing short passes and presses forward by maneuvering through the opponents. However, the team was successful, winning trebles with such gameplay. But could Klopp, despite his limits, suit FC Barcelona now?

Can Jurgen Klopp’s high-profile success refresh a struggling Barcelona?

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2015 was the last time FC Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League. Earlier, the presence of players like Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho made their success seamless. However, Jurgen Klopp’s refreshing style of play with aggression can be a change that the Catalan team needs.

Moreover, Jurgen Klopp broke the stereotype by winning Liverpool their first English Premier League title. He went on to win all the possible trophies, including the Club World Cup, which places a huge void till FSG finds a replacement. The 56-year-old could now do the same in Catalonia, but it has to be seen if both parties can change their minds.

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Do you think Klopp is a good fit for Barca? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Ruthu

811Articles

One take at a time

Growing up in a sporting background, I found a passion for soccer through the remarkable 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian football team. Watching the Premier League where Thierry Henry-starring ‘Invincible’ Gunners and Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious Manchester United had ruled, I had my heart set on Arsenal. However, Ronaldo Nazario, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho are my favorite players and Lionel Messi is the GOAT.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz