Thiago Alcantara explains Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola difference and 'love' for Liverpool star
Thiago Aclatanra has described Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola as the two greatest coaches he ever played for and outlined the key differences between the pair as managers.Thiago played for Guardiola for three seasons between 2013-2016 at Bayern Munich and eventually moved to Liverpool in September 2020 after the then Premier League champions struck a £25m deal with the Bundesliga giants.AdvertisementFormer Spain international Thiago played under Klopp for three years and was part of the squad that won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup before picking up 92 Premier League points and ending as Champions League runners-up in 2022.In an interview with Rio Ferdinand, Thiago name-checks Klopp and Guardiola as the best coaches he has worked with and explained what it was like to be a midfielder for two of the most revered managers of the 21st century.• Hugo Ekitike injury latest as Liverpool star steps up Achilles recovery process in United StatesAdvertisement• Jurgen Klopp opens up on taking Germany job and explains Red Bull reaction to ditching role"I’ve played for so many good coaches," Thiago said. "Carlo (Ancelotti), Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui now. But Pep and Klopp, it’s the way they communicate."The way they have an idea and they can express that idea. In those terms they are very similar. But then Pep is more [of] the approach of how he sells his idea through tactics."And Klopp is how he sells his idea through the community, the energy, the group. So those are two different approaches of football.Advertisement"Many. Many [differences between Guardiola and Klopp]. I came from Barcelona school and everything was slow-cooked. You need to set the timer, have the proper ingredients."And Klopp is: 'OK, open the fridge, let’s take the food out, let’s cook whatever'. The best meal you will have in your life is what we have in the fridge. Different approaches, but at the end you have a great meal."Thiago also paid tribute to former Reds colleague Roberto Firmino, describing the former Brazil forward as one of the most intelligent players he ever played with during a decorated career that saw him turn out for Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool at club level as well as Spain between the years of 2011 and 2021.AdvertisementThiago added: "I was in love with Bobby (Firmino)."Bobby, I think he’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with. In training, to do things as a striker, to do things that midfield players did, and scoring goals, wow."Because sometimes you meet people in life that you want all good things to happen to them. Bobby was one of them."The way he is as a person, and then suddenly he’s another person playing football. He’s cheeky with the ball, doing things, reading the game, being fast, clever.Advertisement"You have this kind of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde as personality, being the nicest person ever, but then a hell of a football player. He made that mix, and you say, wow."He did a tunnel here. He did a bike here. And you think: 'OK, maybe he’s arrogant now'. He’s the greatest human being ever."
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