‘I believe the lads can do it’: Jurgen Klopp throws his weight behind Borussia Dortmund in his former club’s battle for Bundesliga glory, as he insists the trophy ‘simply belongs to them’ after an 11-year drought
- Borussia Dortmund is just one point behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga
- Jürgen Klopp has admitted he is desperately hoping his former club win the title
- Klopp plans to watch the last two games of the season from his home in Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp hopes the former Borussia Dortmund will guide Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title this season, insisting that after an 11-year barren spell, ‘the trophy simply belongs’ in the city.
Klopp enjoyed a memorable seven-year spell at the helm of Dortmund between 2008 and 2015, after leading the club to back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012 and leading their surprise attack to the Champions League final in 2013.
His last campaign in Germany ended with a whimper after Dortmund fell to seventh, but Klopp continued to keep a close eye on their results.
Indeed, Bild claims he regularly called CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke to congratulate him after wins, while Klopp is also familiar with manager Edin Terzic.
This weekend, Dortmund travel to Augsburg in the first of their two remaining games as Bayern, now coached by Thomas Tuchel, take on RB Leipzig.
Jurgen Klopp supports his former club Borussia Dortmund in their Bundesliga title race
Dortmund are now just one point behind leaders Bayern Munich with two games remaining
Klopp plans to watch the Dortmund final from his TV at home in the Liverpool suburbs
And as Dortmund renew their bid to claim the title after a decade of waiting, Klopp has admitted he will take the action from his home in suburban Liverpool.
“It’s probably no secret that I want BVB to be champions,” he said Image.
‘Because what you experience then, you will never forget: with the trophy around the Borsigplatz, that is still one of the really big highlights of my career. I would like to wish that for the fans, club, coach and players this year.
“I believe the boys can do it. Chances are so good, they will use it!
‘I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the TV in Liverpool. After eleven years, the trophy simply belongs in Dortmund!’
With Dortmund just one point behind Bayern, the title race could well last into the final week of the season. Terzic’s side will host Mainz in their final match, while Bayern make the journey to Cologne, balancing the dogfight on the cutting edge.
Klopp will have fond memories of when he transformed Dortmund from mid-table stragglers to kings of Germany, although many parts of their raucous 2011 Bundesliga title celebrations will probably still be a blur to this day. the tactician.
Boss Edin Terzic (left) was permanently appointed last summer and has a contract until 2025
Klopp won two league titles during his seven-year spell at Dortmund before leaving in 2015
Hilariously, he previously admitted to waking up in a truck after a day of drinking.
Speaking to Amazon Prime, Klopp said: “I was really drunk, which maybe showed in some of the interviews.
“And I don’t remember much that makes any sense. One thing I do remember.
“I’m not sure I’ve ever told anyone. I woke up on a truck in the garage. All alone. I remember that, but I have no idea of the hours before that.’
Klopp needed a lift back to town and hitched a ride with Watzke.
“Aki stopped an old Mercedes on the road,” added Klopp.
“It was a Turkish guy in a station wagon. And Aki says “Take us to the Italian”. “No, I’m not taking you there”. So Aki reaches into his pocket, finds 200 euros and says, “You will.” He sees the money, “OK.”‘