Watch Jurgen Klopp roll back the years as he stars in Liverpool friendly against Stanford University
Klopp played in three different positions as the club's coaching staff played the university side
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Your support makes all the difference.Jurgen Klopp has still got it. The German donned his old football boots and took to the pitch to represent Liverpool’s coaching staff as they played Stanford University during the club’s US pre-season tour.
The 49-year-old showcased his versatility playing in three different positions throughout the game as the staff went on to draw 1-1 against the young American outfit.
Klopp was regularly deployed as a striker during his playing career – during which he scored 52 goals for German side Mainz 05 – but the Liverpool boss lined up in defence, midfield and attack during Sunday’s match.
Although Klopp game close, Physiotherapist Ruben Pons scored Liverpool’s only goal of the game, hitting a long-range effort from inside his own half that bounced over the run of his teammate Richie Partridge as well as the opposition goalkeeper.
One of the Stanford defenders appeared to clear the ball from the line but the referee decided otherwise, despite the players’ protests.
Pons levelled the game after former Tranmere Rovers goalkeeper and current goalkeeping John Achterberg was beaten at his far post during the first 45 minutes.
Second assistant coach Peter Krawietz and first-team development coach Pepijn Lijnders also starred, lining up in defence and midfield respectively.
The Liverpool squad appear to be enjoying themselves in America, having already visited San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island where Klopp jokingly threatened to leave Mamadou Sakho behind.
The Reds begin their International Champions Cup campaign with a pre-season friendly against Chelsea on July 28 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
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