BUNDESLIGA

Klopp expected Flick to win coach of the year award

Bayern Munich’s headcoach Hansi Flick arrives to give an interview after the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and Vfl Wolfsburg on December 16, 2020 in Munich. (Photo by Christof STACHE / various sources / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO

Liverppol manager, Jurgen Klopp says he was shocked to be named winner of The Best FIFA Men’s Coach award on Thursday.
Klopp won the award for the second consecutive year after guiding Liverpool to Premier League glory.
It was the first time the Reds had won the title in English football’s top flight in 30 years.
Klopp spoke after he was named as the winner, expressing surprise that he pipped Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick to claim the prize.
Flick came up short despite guiding Bayern to the treble, with glory in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League.
Remarkably, he was still assistant to Niko Kovac on July 20, 2019 when the period under consideration for the award began.
Klopp clearly anticipated a Flick win in the top coaching award as he responded to Thursday’s announcement with surprise.
“I am [shocked],” he said. “I was just sitting here because last year I won it, so then I show everybody the respect when I’m nominated and show up wherever it is.
“Many people were surprised when my name was mentioned. I would have expected to hear the name of Hansi Flick too.  But I wasn’t involved in the vote. It’s a great honor and difficult to believe.”Told again at the end of his acceptance speech that he was The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, Klopp replied: “I’m not but I won the award, so that’s good enough.”
Liverpool moved back top of the Premier League on Wednesday with a dramatic 2-1 home win over title rivals Tottenham.

Sammy Wejinya

Recent Posts

Mainz 05 Inspires Youth at Totalsport Safe-Hub in Alexandra

A coaching team from Bundesliga club 1.FSV Mainz 05 visited Totalsport Safe-Hub in Alexandra for…

5 days ago

Spotlight on African basketball talent and milestones as NBA’s 2024/25 season takes off

An NBA season packed with African talent and colourful courts is underway, with games available…

7 days ago

Tsitsikamma and Trail Running – setting the gold standard for inclusive conservation

Victor Mokoena and his team in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park…

2 weeks ago

Xaba and Tola re-write the record books at Sanlam’s Cape Town Marathon

Rising Ethiopian marathon star, Abdisa Tola, and South Africa’s running great, Glenrose ‘Supercharger’ Xaba, created…

3 weeks ago

Collin and Tayla shine on Day One of the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon weekend

Zimbabwean Collin Kanyimo and British athlete Catherine Williamson took the trail honours in the 44km…

3 weeks ago

A preview to Cape Town Marathon

Some of the biggest names in marathon running will be in action in the Sanlam…

3 weeks ago