Jurgen Klopp says Roberto De Zerbi’s style ‘goes against my personality’
'I couldn’t coach that.'
Jurgen Klopp enjoys watching Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton side but says he would not choose to replicate his style of play as it goes against his personality.
Liverpool host the Seagulls on Sunday as they hope to return to the top of the Premier League before Manchester City face Arsenal later that afternoon.
Klopp has struggled against De Zerbi recently, with two wins and two draws for Brighton in their last four meetings with Liverpool.
The German is expecting another difficult afternoon on Sunday, impressed with the job the Italian has done at the Amex, but says it is not how he would like to coach a team.
‘We know how difficult it is against Brighton,’ said Klopp. ‘Roberto is doing an incredible job there. We improved over the 18-20 months since he arrived (in England). The first game was surprising, we were their first opponent when he joined the club. We had no clue what to expect.
‘It was impressive how quick he got the team in his way. Since then it has only gotten better. A really impressive, different way of playing football. It’s about having possession, they want it and we want it, but we need to have more. That’s the best way to defend against them.
‘When they have the ball, you have to be ready to suffer. It will be super interesting, I’m really looking forward to it.’
Asked why De Zerbi’s team is so tough to take on, Klopp added: ‘The way they play. It’s a really different way. I couldn’t coach that. It goes against my personality! But it’s a good watch, very demanding for the players – clear positioning.
‘Hold your position, keep your position, pass at the right moment. He’s a top coach doing really well, super interesting to see. That makes it tricky. It’s just a different way. Possession-based but even more structured from a positional point of view than maybe Manchester City or whatever where they have a bit more freedom.
‘Brighton, on their day, can beat any team. But good news: we can do that as well.’
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