Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was full of praise for Thomas Tuchel ahead of Saturday’s clash, describing his presence at Chelsea as “a threat” to everyone else.
The two German managers have known each other since their Bundesliga days and have been very open about their admiration for each other.
Klopp’s Liverpool side managed to finish above Tuchel’s Chelsea in the Premier League last season, but the latter clearly had a better season, having led the Blues to their second-ever Champions League triumph.
Klopp, who believes Tuchel deserved to be named the best coach in Europe last season, said Tuchel’s brilliancy and Chelsea’s spending power will always cause problems for their rivals.
“What Thomas did at Chelsea is absolutely exceptional,” Klopp said during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
“I never doubted that he would have a massive impact there.
“That it would go that quick? I think not even he would have expected that.
“Last night he won the UEFA men’s coach of the year and absolutely deserved it. Nobody had a bigger impact last season than he had.
“I said it before, a combination of financial wealth and football knowledge is always a threat for all of us. That’s how it is.”
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