Tuchel opens up on relationship with Jurgen Klopp ahead of Liverpool vs Chelsea

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel opens up on relationship with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel spoke about his relationship with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and how the pair are ‘not half as close as everybody thinks.’

The German managers are set to square off against each other as Chelsea take a trip to Anfield in what is a vital clash for the top-four race.

More often than not Tuchel and Klopp are viewed through the same lens, just a few years apart due to the similarities in their career paths. Tuchel succeeded Klopp both times at Maiz and Borussia Dortmund. They have squared off previously with their former sides and are set to reignite that tonight.

Dortmund’s coach Juergen Klopp (R) and Mainz’ coach Thomas Tuchel are seen during a TV interview prior to the German first division Bundesliga football match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund at the Bruchwegstadium in Mainz, southwestern Germany, on October 31, 2010. AFP PHOTO/ DANIEL ROLAND (Photo credit should read DANIEL ROLAND/AFP via Getty Images)

With a crucial six-pointer up for grabs, Tuchel spoke about Klopp and his relationship with the Liverpool manager.

“It’s nice to be compared because he’s one of the best coaches in Europe. On one hand, it’s nice because it tells you you’ve reached a certain level, and then at some point, it’s not nice because it does not tell the truth.

“I like him a lot and I am full of respect and we have good times when we meet in coaches’ meetings, there is no doubt about it, but we are not half as close as everybody thinks.”

When asked if he has operated under Klopp’s shadow, Tuchel clarified that he did not feel that way because they never really got a chance to work together. He explained that they were not in charge of the same club at different levels. For example, he was not in the academy when Klopp was in the first-team.

MAINZ, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 24: Head coaches Thomas Tuchel of Mainz and Juergen Klopp of Dortmund wait for an interview before the Bundesliga match between FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund at Coface Arena on September 24, 2011 in Mainz, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty Images)

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Tuchel added that he understands why people thought so because of how much influence Klopp left at a club and he succeeded the latter for a period of time. Tuchel thinks that their Dortmund stints solidified that opinion among people. It will be fascinating to see how both these top managers fare on their reunion.