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Liverpool news: How Jurgen Klopp almost became Bayern Munich manager as Reds prepare for Champions League clash

The German hopes to lead Liverpool back to the final after losing out to Real Madrid in Kiev last season

Jack Rathborn
Friday 15 February 2019 12:33 GMT
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Jurgen Klopp hails players' character as Liverpool surge back to winning ways

Jurgen Klopp almost became manager of Bayern Munich before eventually joining Liverpool.

The German manager has previously been linked with Bayern since taking over at Anfield.

But his story could have been much different, with a move to Bavaria close before joining Borussia Dortmund from Mainz in 2008.

“Personally, I have a high opinion of Jurgen Klopp,” president Uli Hoeness said.

“Many years ago we agreed on a collaboration together, but we ended up signing Jurgen Klinsmann instead.

“There I showed I respect him and his work a lot.”

Bayern ultimately made the mistake of hiring Klinsmann, who would only last one year before departing.

Jurgen Klopp almost joined Bayern in 2008

Whilst Klopp would oversee one of the most successful periods in Dortmund’s history, capturing back-to-back Bundesliga titles.

Now Klopp will coach at the Allianz Arena, in the away dugout as Liverpool face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the Champions League.

The first leg is at Anfield next Tuesday, with the Reds resting this weekend after already exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Wolves in the third round.

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