Manager Jurgen Klopp has taken on a new role ahead of the World Cup (Image: Peter Powell, AFP, via Getty Images)
Manager Jurgen Klopp is relishing the possibility of playing alongside one of his former players at this summer’s World Cup. The former Liverpool manager will travel to the United States, Mexico and Canada for soccer’s biggest tournament after taking up a pundit role in his native Germany.
This summer marks two years since Klopp ended his iconic reign at the helm of Liverpool. Shortly after, he became Red Bull’s head of global football, but this summer he will take on a new challenge as a pundit for MagentaTV. He is particularly looking forward to teaming up in the studio with one of his former contacts, Mats Hummels.
Hummels was a central figure and influential leader for Borussia Dortmund, who won back-to-back Bundesliga titles under Klopp in 2011 and 2012.
The recently retired defender will join manager Klopp and former Germany teammate Thomas Muller in the World Cup commentary studio.
Klopp reflected on how the new dynamic between the pair had “changed the perspective”.
“It’s really, really great to see so many former players (of mine) playing in the World Cup,” he told BBC Sport.
“And as time goes on, another former player of mine will become my co-punciator, Mats Hummels. Thomas Müller as well, but Mats Hummels was a former player of mine. So all of a sudden, you see things differently.”
Hummels, 37, retired last year after a one-season stint with Roma, the only season he spent outside Germany in his career.
Nevertheless, he returned to Dortmund for a farewell cameo appearance in a friendly against Juventus.
Mats Hummels was a key player during Klopp’s time at Borussia Dortmund. (Image: Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
The pair achieved remarkable results together at the Westfalenstadion, long before Klopp became the iconic figure that supporters recognize today.
In many ways, Liverpool fans may have Hummels to thank for the huge role he played in the victory that ultimately brought one of the Reds’ most famous managers to Anfield.
Klopp also painted a warm picture ahead of Scotland’s group stage match against Brazil at the World Cup.
Andy Robertson and Alisson are scheduled to play each other in that game, potentially in the same summer as both players leave the club.
Manager Klopp also named Virgil van Dijk, Sadio Mane, and current title holder Alexis Mac Allister as players he wants to shine in this tournament.
However, the one who received the most notable mention was one of the Liverpool players he never had the privilege of managing.
“I hope (Florian) Wirtz has a great, great World Cup,” he said. “I think he has everything he needs to be an outstanding player.
“I don’t want to put pressure on him. I think he has already shown how good he can be in a difficult season.”
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