Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made his return to management with the German national team, and was back to his usual self when speaking at his press conference
Jurgen Klopp mocked a reporter in his post-match press conference for Germany's clash with the Netherlands
Jurgen Klopp mocked a reporter in his post-match press conference for Germany's clash with the Netherlands(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
Jurgen Klopp was in good form during his post-match press conference, as the former Liverpool manager took a variety of questions following his return to management with the German national team.
It was the first time that the 59-year-old had been on the touchline in over two years, following his exit from Anfield, as he looks to embark on a new journey. At the end of his tenure with Liverpool, Klopp admitted that the taxing nature of managing a team had left him drained of energy, with a break giving him an opportunity to collect his thoughts and spend time with his loved ones.
The German coach still took on other work, doing so with the Red Bull group of clubs, as well as featuring as a pundit during the recent World Cup.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp forced into Florian Wirtz U-turn after frustrating injury setback
READ MORE: Ex-Liverpool CEO breaks silence on 'sophomore slump' that cost Arne Slot his job
However, with Germany's early exit from the competition, the opportunity arose for a route back into coaching.
He took that opportunity with the national team, which offers him the rush that comes with doing the job, as well as the space and time away that comes with the international schedule.
After plenty of time spent waiting, Klopp's first game back came in a UEFA Nations League clash against the Netherlands. Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead, but Liverpool star Cody Gakpo struck late to earn the Oranje a point.
While clearly frustrated to come away without a win, the ex-Reds boss was still in fine form during his press conference. A Liverpool reporter asked if they could ask a question in English, stating: "My German is terrible, so is Scouse ok?" to which he responded: "Your English is terrible to be honest [laughs]."
That prompted laughs from the press room at the mocking gesture, before he was then asked how it felt to be back in the limelight after time away from the game.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
He responded: "I think I only played three times padel in the 18 months [that he was away] because I have an old hip... People ask me, 'How much did you enjoy it?' and I enjoy moments where we are 4-0 up, and you see the extra time.
"That's the moment I start enjoying a football game; until then, it's just our job to be 100 percent there and try to find a way, as limited as we are on the sidelines, to find a way to help."
That sentiment will certainly ring true for Klopp after the game, considering the late blow that Germany suffered with the Gakpo equalizer in stoppage time.
However, the team made a positive start to proceedings with the performance, with some hope and expectation that things will improve as he has more time to work with the players.
There are three more games for the former Liverpool boss to build some momentum with the side in the UEFA Nations League, with two games against Greece either side of a clash with Serbia coming up.
It remains to be seen how they will do in those encounters, but there is an expectation that the former Liverpool boss will find results sooner rather than later.