"The greatest footballer in my lifetime" - When Jurgen Klopp made his pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once asserted that Lionel Messi was the 'greatest footballer' of his generation, picking him as the 'GOAT' ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. The German made the claim after the Argentine talisman led his national side to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
For over a decade, there has been a raging debate between fans, media and pundits alike on who is better - Messi or Ronaldo. The pair have destroyed opposition defenses, winning countless trophies and setting numerous records along the way.
Messi holds the edge in terms of Ballon d'Or awards, having won eight as opposed to Ronaldo's five. However, until 2021, the Portuguese forward held the edge in terms of international trophies. He had captained his side to success at EURO 2016 and the UEFA Nations League 2019.
In the last three years, Messi changed the entire dynamic of the debate. In such a short period, he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa America titles.
He was particularly influential in the World Cup, playing every single minute and bagging seven goals and three assists in eight games. Right after the tournament, Klopp was asked who he would name as the 'GOAT'. The 57-year-old said (from WION, via Liverpool ECHO):
"Argentina deserved it and when you saw the team and the country celebrating, then it probably hit the right country in difficult times. I am really happy for them, they waited for a long time."
"The greatest footballer in my lifetime, Lionel Messi, the way he plays football in this age should give us all a hint at how long footballers can perform at the top level. We shouldn’t close the books too early. It was a joy to watch him," Klopp concluded.
"As long as you are not Lionel Messi, you have to defend" - When Jurgen Klopp revealed what he told his forwards at Liverpool
Former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp once revealed that he told all his forwards to come back on defense, since they were 'not Lionel Messi'.
The German tactician claimed that the Argentine forward was the only one exempt from defensive duties due to his other-worldly offensive talent. In an exclusive interview with ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand for TNT Sports' Between The Lines show, the 57-year-old said:
"As long as you are not Lionel Messi, you have to defend. Lionel is the only one (to whom you say), 'wait until we have the ball, (we'll) give it to you and now (you) do what you want.' Everybody else has to defend, and they all (must) put a hundred percent into it."
Klopp faced Messi only twice in his career, when Liverpool squared off against Barcelona in the semi-finals of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League. The 37-year-old scored a brace, including a stunning free-kick, in the first leg at the Camp Nou to lead his side to a 3-0 victory.
However, the Reds pulled off an improbable 4-0 comeback at Anfield to progress into the final. They eventually won the title, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the summit clash.