Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp dreamed of managing Manchester United but fits best at Anfield because 'there is more passion', says his former Mainz manager Eckhard Krautzun

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp used to 'dream' about managing Manchester United, according to a long-standing associate of the German coach.

Eckhard Krautzun managed Klopp at German club Mainz at the turn of the Millenium and the Liverpool coach succeeded him in 2001.

Krautzun has remained in touch with Klopp ever since and he has revealed that the German confided in him that his ultimate ambition would be to manage Manchester United.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp used to 'dream' about managing Manchester United

Eckhard Krautzun was Jurgen Klopp's manager when he played for Mainz

Krautzun told the Set Pieces website: 'I’m not surprised he does so well. When it came to his favourite club, however, Liverpool weren’t always number one.

'It would be his dream to go to England one day and his favourite club would be [Manchester] United. That’s what he said.'

Krautzun had a strong friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson hailing back to the 1970's, when the German attended a coaching seminar at the Football Association headquarters along with Bill Shankly, Don Howe and Dave Sexton. 

Krautzun subsequently went to stay with Ferguson and his wife Cathy and he says in the interview that the duo still watch games together regularly.

Krautzun regularly talked Klopp up to Ferguson and he believes that if the United position was up for grabs when Jurgen Klopp left Borussia Dortmund in 2015, he may well have ended up with Liverpool's sworn enemies. 

As it transpired, Klopp was keen to get back into football at the highest level quickly and with Louis van Gaal at the time in charge of United, the German headed to Anfield.

Krautzun added: 'I said, "Jurgen Klopp, if he goes abroad, if he goes to England, his love would be Manchester United." After three or four months not working, I knew that he wanted to be in action again…when the offer came from Liverpool [that October], I knew he would not hesitate because he wanted to get into a top club in England.'

Krautzun says Klopp suits Liverpool more than United because of the passion at the club

Klopp is preparing his Liverpool side to play Manchester United at Anfield on Saturday

'The emotions in the stadium in Liverpool and the enthusiasm of the fans, the temperament there – that fits Klopp. I was not surprised that the spectators liked him right away. His emotions, the way he coaches the team, the way he jumps around, the way he shows his desire to win, that fits the club.

'The fans are little more different to Man United. Man U is more quiet, the fans love their team too but there is more emotion and more passion I think in Liverpool. And Klopp I think is a passionate, very temperamental man. That club fits him.'