Jürgen Klopp was not an angry trainer last night. He even looked happy. He could have given his young players the opportunity to prove themselves on the European stage and also show them that they still have a lot of work to do before they can join the elite.
He remains a charismatic guy if he hasn’t stepped on any toes. Klopp spoke of Union with the utmost respect. “Union deserved this win. Completely deserved,” he said. “We were able to avoid the goals, but they played better football overall. They were aggressive, well organised…”
With the input of a number of stars he was almost able to turn the tide. “There is no point in drawing big conclusions after this match. Some players were able to find rhythm, and we have no injuries. That is the most important thing.”
After all, Sunday’s match against Manchester United is a lot more important for him. He had six young people aged 20 or younger play against Union. “I see the youngsters every day in training. I appreciate them and I can assure you that they are good. It is often in these types of matches that you start a career. They are matches in which you have to fight. That is part of their development,” Klopp concluded.
