Ahead of Sunday’s fixture at the Spotify Camp Nou, former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp revealed he never misses a meeting between the two Spanish giants. Now working as Germany’s national team coach, Klopp spoke with DAZN about his viewing habits and his history with the fixture, noting that his past sympathies for the Catalan club stemmed largely from on-field tensions involving former Real Madrid defender Pepe.
Viewing Habits and Current Preferences Ahead of Spotify Camp Nou Showdown
Sunday’s encounter brings together two rivals at the top of Spanish football, drawing attention from across the European game. Speaking to DAZN, Klopp explained his approach to watching the match. C’est un match que j’adore regarder. Aujourd’hui, je soutiens simplement la meilleure équipe. Et au vu de la situation actuelle, cette équipe est probablement le FC Barcelone,
he said.
The German coach noted that while his neutral stance allows him to appreciate the current quality on the pitch, he believes the Catalan side holds a slight edge over their Madrid rivals heading into the weekend. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at the Spotify Camp Nou, placing the spotlight squarely on the current league standings and tactical setups of both squads.
Past Sympathies and the Pepe Factor in 2010s El Clásico Fixtures
Klopp’s affinity for the Blaugrana is not a recent development. The former Liverpool boss admitted he routinely backed the Catalan club during past encounters, particularly during the fiercely contested matches of the 2010s.
Explaining his past alignment, Klopp pointed directly to the physical nature of those encounters. Avant, j’étais davantage pour Barcelone parce que je détestais voir Pepe et les autres défenseurs distribuer des coups à tous ceux qui passaient devant eux à cette époque. C’est la seule raison pour laquelle je soutenais davantage Barcelone,
he told DAZN, referencing the robust defensive approach employed by the Portuguese center-back and his teammates during that era.
While Klopp maintains that his allegiances are no longer tied to a single side in the same manner, his comments highlight the enduring memory of the rivalry’s most abrasive chapter.
Match Context and Preparations at the Camp Nou
The latest installment of this rivalry arrives with both clubs managing demanding domestic campaigns.
As kickoff approaches, television broadcasters and global audiences tune in to watch two of the world’s most recognizable squads collide. The historic rivalry, stretching across more than a century of competitive football, adds another chapter on Sunday afternoon in Catalonia.
