RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has revealed how Jurgen Klopp has been giving him advice and has clarified his previous comments about Liverpool being his “dream” club.
As one of the Bundesliga’s breakout stars of the season, Diomande raised eyebrows when he said in November that he is “a big fan of Liverpool” and has one dream, to “play at Anfield.”
Since then, Merseyside journalist David Lynch has said the 19-year-old “is definitely being watched really closely” by Liverpool.
Diomande has now clarified his comments in an interview with Bild, adding: “People made it out to be my dream club, but first and foremost, it’s my dad’s favourite club.
“It was always his great wish to see me play there someday because he loves the atmosphere at Anfield.
“He always raved about Steven Gerrard. I was too young to see him play. We didn’t even have a TV at home for a long time.
“I have a lot of respect for Liverpool, but my dream club right now is Leipzig.”
This does line up with what he said originally, when he claimed: “I’m a big fan of Liverpool because my father’s dream is to see me play at Anfield, so that’s my dream.
“You know, to fulfil my father’s dream is a dream for me too.”
Yan Diomande recently spent time in Paris with Vinicius Jr
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, February 21, 2023: Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st Leg game between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Despite it being his father’s dream, Diomande made it pretty clear that playing for Liverpool was also his ambition.
However, probably out of respect for his current club and to keep his career path open, he has understandably reined himself in slightly.
After all, the right-winger, whose RB Leipzig contract runs until 2030, will be courted by several clubs over the summer.
There are no reliable reports linking them yet, but Real Madrid could be one of those who consider Diomande in the future.
Diomande explained: “As far as mindset goes, Kylian Mbappe is my role model – he’s an absolute winner – and in terms of playing ability, it’s always been Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Asked who his new role model is for playing ability, Diomande responded: “Definitely Vinicius Jr!
“He does a lot of good things on the pitch and is totally focused. I met him in person for the first time two weeks ago in Paris.
“We have a mutual acquaintance. Vini invited me for two days. We had a good time. He told me to have fun on the pitch, that’s the most important thing.
“We also talked about our clubs. And that included Real Madrid, of course.”
Bild noted in the interview that Bayern Munich are also interested in the Ivorian, who has scored nine goals and provided six assists in his 24 appearances this season.
Diomande responded: “It’s always nice to hear things like that. But I haven’t spoken to anyone from Bayern. It’s not the right time for that anyway. I’m happy here in Leipzig and want to remain fully focused.”
Jurgen Klopp’s advice for Yan Diomande
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, May 27, 2024:Jurgen Klopp during 'An Evening with Jürgen Klopp' an event at the Liverpool Arena celebrating Klopp's nine years as manager of Liverpool Football Club. (Photo by Ryan Brown/Propaganda)
Klopp may not be at Liverpool any longer, but he could yet help his old club in the transfer market.
As Red Bull’s Global Head of Soccer, he has some say in RB Leipzig’s transfer strategy, offering advice to players and staff.
Diomande was asked if Klopp had spoken to him about Liverpool. The youngster replied: “No, not that, but we talk every now and then.
“He tells me to stay humble and keep working hard. It was always my dream to play on one of his teams. That’s not quite possible now, but being so close to him now, talking to him, shaking his hand, it’s incredible. He’s a legend.”
Diomande will be in high demand this summer so RB Leipzig will drive for a high price. Their manager, Oliver Mintzlaff, has even said he wouldn’t be allowed to leave for £70 or £80 million.
“He’s the boss,” commented Diomande.
“And there are always many people involved in a transfer – clubs, agents, family, players. So I don’t make these decisions alone.
“One thing I can promise, I’ll never argue with my club! Of course, I probably won’t finish my career here.
“When the time comes, we’ll talk, but if I stay here in the summer, I’ll be absolutely happy.”