Jurgen Klopp is one of the greatest personalities in the world of soccer, and a lucky group of American youngsters had the chance to sit face to face with the Liverpool manager and get some of their burning questions answered.
The first and arguably most important question of the event was: “Who is your favorite footballer of all time?”
Some of those kids, and probably a lot of people reading about it afterward, presumed his answer might be Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or even Diego Maradona. Klopp, however, dodged a straight answer. But still, if we are to believe we should always trust in our elders, Klopp’s answer was as clear as day.
“My father gave me some advice when I was very young - whatever someone tells you in the future, don't forget Pele is the best,” the German manager said. “I met him (Pele) once. I am not often nervous, but in this moment I was shaking. He's a wonderful person.”
Another interesting take from this little exchange was one of the kids saying she read a book about Pele and Klopp telling them that they should Google him to learn some more if they didn’t know who he is.
The rest of the Q&A is also entertaining, with the kids finding out more about the game from Klopp and him learning a thing or two about American sports from them.
He even made a bucket list of the stuff he wanted to do in America at some point in his life:
“Watching the Super Bowl live, watching the NBA finals live, I already did that, and watching a baseball game live because I have no idea why so many people in America watch it. I have to feel it.”
They even touched on a rather emotional topic for Klopp and a lot of Liverpool fans: a little girl asked him what it would mean for him to bring a Premier League title to Liverpool after so many years.
“Everything. To be honest, it would mean everything,” Klopp said. “To be really successful and win a title with a great club like Liverpool would be 100% one of the greatest things I could ever imagine.”
Not even Team USA’s manager got to steer clear of the conversation as one of the kids asked who knew more about the game: Jurgen Klinsmann or Jurgen Klopp?
Like the gentleman he is, Klopp fashionably dodged that question as well.
“I don't know. We have met a few times. I like him. He's a nice guy, but it's not a battle. We can both be good at the same time because we manage different teams.”
And finally, we have the cream of the crop for the Q&A with Klopp doing the Sturridge dance for the children.
Check out the full Q&A in the video below:
