Jurgen Klopp has revealed he is a huge admirer of Tottenham talisman Harry Kane during a testy exchange with the media ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Spartak Moscow.
The Merseysiders are in Russia preparing for their second group stage encounter of Europe’s elite competition.
Klopp was frustrated at the Monday media conference upon his arrival when he was asked if he loved any of his players following Mauricio Pochettino’s warm comments at the weekend about Kane.
“I am really impressed that we are in a Champions League press conference and talk about things like this,” Klopp said, as quoted by the Mirror. “I don’t understand the business anymore.
“I love the club, that includes the players. It is easy to talk after the game. Actually, I love Harry too but he is a Tottenham player. I love good footballers that is how it is.”
Klopp’s answer was then translated before he cut in: “Actually, it is not important. It is not important for Russia.
“It was just an English thing. Pochettino loves Kane and ‘Who do I love?’ was the question.
“It’s a waste of time.”
OPINION
Little wonder that Klopp is blown away by Kane. Which manager wouldn’t be? Given that the spearhead only turned 24 in July and has not yet entered his peak years, it is safe to assume his scoring record will at the very least be maintained at the same level and, in all likelihood, get better. His ability to score all types of goals – Saturday’s diving header against West Ham was the latest demonstration of his mastery of the centre-forward art – from all angles and against all teams makes him that rarity, a bona fide matchwinner. Throw in a great attitude, total commitment to his job and club, and an insatiable appetite to improve, and the world is Harry’s oyster. Any manager in the world would love to be able to call upon the Spurs man, even one who so often chooses not to select an orthodox centre-forward.