'We're losing one of the best coaches in the world'

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Roberto De Zerbi sympathises with Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Bruce Talbot

2024-01-27T06:00:00Z

Roberto De Zerbi and Jurgen Klopp are both passionate coaches.

Roberto De Zerbi says Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool manager means the Premier League is losing one of the ‘best coaches in the world.’

Klopp, in charge since 2016, will bow out at the end of the season and will go up against our head coach for the final time when Albion travel to Anfield on 30 March. De Zerbi’s Albion have won two and drawn two of the previous four meetings.

“I am very sad, we are losing one of the best coaches in the world,” said De Zerbi.

“His personality, I like him because of his energy and character. If he changes leagues it is not a good thing for the Premier League.”

Klopp says wants a break after eight years and De Zerbi sympathises with his rival when he admitted he lacked the energy to continue in such a high-profile role.

“I can understand [him]. Our work is the best you can do but it is very tough," added De Zerbi. "You need energy, you have to push every day and keep trying to improve. You can’t stop your improvement and study. Football is always developing and if you don’t work with the right energy you will lose.

“But the passion we both show is because we ‘feel’ the football. We are very close in this [regard].”