BUNDESLIGA

Lewandowsky lauds ‘bad teacher’ Klopp

Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski reacts during the UEFA Champions League group A football match Bayern Munich v Salzburg in Munich, southern Germany on November 25, 2020. (Photo by CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP)


Robert Lewandowski says Jurgen Klopp is a “bad teacher in the best sense of the word” as he opened up on why the Liverpool manager is a “father figure” to him.  
Klopp was the man who brought Poland ace Lewandowski to the Bundesliga in 2010, signing him for Borussia Dortmund for £4million.  
The two men enjoyed a stunning four seasons together, with Lewandowski plundering 103 goals in 187 games as Klopp steered Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and the DFB-Pokal.  
Lewandowski shared a strong bond with the charismatic German manager and used an example from the 2011/12 season to illustrate their relationship.
“When the second season began, I was still struggling,” the 32-year-old told The Players’ Tribune . 
“I also felt that Jurgen wanted something from me, but I didn’t understand exactly what.  “So after a really bad defeat to Marseille in the Champions League – I think we lost 3–0 – I went to see him. I said, ‘Jurgen, come on. We have to speak. Just tell me what you expect from me.’  
“I can’t remember everything he told me – my German still wasn’t the best – but through the few words I knew and from his body language, we understood each other. We had a great chat.
“Three days later, I scored a hat trick and assisted another goal against Augsburg. We won 4–0, and that was the turning point for me.  
“It was a mental thing, a hang-up of some sort. And I think it had something to do with my father.  “At the time I didn’t think about it. But now I realise that my conversation with Jurgen was like one of those I wish I could’ve had with my dad [who died when Lewandowski was a teenager]. One of those I had not been able to have in many, many years.
“I could talk to Jurgen about anything. I could trust him. He is a family man, and he has so much empathy for what goes on in your private life.” 
Lewandowski and Klopp went on to win the league-cup double in the 2011/12 season and the Pole – who moved to Bayern Munich in 2014 – amusingly reflected on why his former manager was a “bad teacher”.  
He added: “Jurgen was not only a father figure to me. As a coach, he was like the ‘bad’ teacher. And I mean that in the best sense of the word.

Sammy Wejinya

Recent Posts

It’s three out of three for Robbie on the opening day of the RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

"What Stu (McConnachie) and the trail community have done to put South African trail running…

21 hours ago

World’s trail athletes gather in the Mother City for RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

by Stephen Granger RMB Ultra Trail Cape Town (UTCT) celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend,…

2 days ago

World trail athletes aiming for the Top of the Table in RMB Ultra-trail Cape Town

by Stephen Granger The eyes of the trail world will be focused on the southern…

3 days ago

Marathon magic in New York and Soweto

Competitive racing was the order of the day at the TCS New York City Marathon…

2 weeks ago

Mainz 05 Coaches Inspire Youth at Totalsport Safe-Hub in Johannesburg’s Alexandra

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

3 weeks 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…

3 weeks ago