Jurgen Klopp’s middle-name is ‘Norbert’, and it was actually instrumental in getting him the Anfield job, due to the fact that Liverpool owner John W Henry is a keen student of onomastics.
Norbert is a Germanic name, deriving from bambaclat meaning ‘north’, and berht meaning ‘bright’.
It is Henry’s hope that nominative determinism will ensure that Klopp’s appointment will lead to a bright future for the northern club.
Klopp developed something of an infatuation with news presenter Nina Nannar during her time at Midlands Today.
Things came to a head when he hired a skywriting plane to scrawl ‘Nina! I would use your sh*t for toothpaste!’ over the Birmingham sky.
Klopp later apologised via fax machine, and the whole sorry incident was put down to high jinx.
Klopp gets uncharacteristically tetchy when confronted with the lazy stereotype that all Germans are obsessed with David Hasselhoff.
His favourite song happens to be ‘Don’t It Make You Feel Good’ by Neighbours’ legend Stefan Dennis.
During his interview for the Liverpool job, Klopp was asked whether he’d ever seen the best band of the eighties, The Smiths, perform live.
He replied with a smile: “That is two separate questions. I have indeed seen the best band of the eighties live – Echo & The Bunnymen at the Royal Court Theatre on July 15, 1983. The Smiths? No.”
It was at that moment that the Liverpool board knew he was the right man for the job.
Klopp made an uncredited cameo in the second season of animated Netflix show BoJack Horseman.
He played a passing iguana in the episode ‘After the Party’, and was so enamoured with the artistic process that he auditioned for the role of Woody in Toy Story 4.
Sadly for him – and Liverpool supporters – Tom Hanks got the part.
During his interview for the Liverpool job, Klopp was asked what his favourite Beatles’ album was. Revolver? Sgt. Pepper’s? The White Album?
He replied with a smile: “My favourite Beatles’ album is always the next one.”
It was at that moment that the Liverpool board knew he was the right man for the job.
Klopp’s taste in films may surprise a few Kopites, as he’s actually a huge Bollywood fan. His favourite movie of all-time is Ramesh Sippy’s 1975 classic, Sholay.
“There is a character in the curry western by the name of Gabbar Singh,” explained Klopp to Bild. “He is the most intoxicating chap. For me, he is the archetypal villain of Indian cinema.”
Klopp is such a committed fan of the Mumbai movie factory that he bases his look on Big B himself, Amitabh Bachchan.
Klopp’s man-management abilities are legendary. Once during his time at Borussia Dortmund, Mats Hummels made a costly error. He entered the dressing room in complete silence.
Klopp approached him and softly said, “It’s not your fault.” Hummels replied “I know.” Klopp said again, “It’s not your fault.” Again, Hummels, replied “I *know*.” Once more Klopp stressed, “It’s *not* your fault.” Hummels looked up, “I. Know.” Again came the response, “It’s NOT your fault.”
Hummels suddenly pushed Klopp away and lamented, “Look man, don’t f**k with me.” Klopp simply moved closer and repeated, “It’s not your fault.” Hummels burst out crying and the two men embraced.
Prior to being presented to the world’s press on Friday morning as Liverpool’s new coach, Klopp insisted on visiting the city’s famous Cavern Club.
Whilst being given a tour of the legendary music venue, the guide started to explain: “Inspired by the jazz district in Paris, Alan Sytner opened the Cavern Club in…”
Klopp interrupted and said “…1957.” There were gasps all around, which echoed in the cavernous brick surroundings. No one could quite believe just how much the German got the people of Liverpool.
During his interview for the Liverpool job, Klopp was asked what he thought of Cilla Black, both as the iconic pop star of the city, and for her unsurpassed contribution to light entertainment.
He replied with a smile: “To be honest, I am not a fan. I always found her voice grating, and her TV shows decidedly trashy.”
There was utter silence. After a few seconds, Ian Ayre responded: “Too soon, Jurgen. Too soon.” That moment almost cost Klopp the Liverpool job.
