Jurgen Klopp is a quirky cat.
The Liverpool manager’s incomparable interviews are enough to prove that he’s one of the more unique characters in football, as he laughs and engages with reporters an awful lot more than his peers tend to.
His touchline antics too are full of eccentricities that we’re not exactly used to seeing in Premier League dugouts but there’s no denying the fact that he makes for great television.
And one aspect of his behaviour on the sidelines that has been discussed quite a bit lately is his tendency to turn in the opposite direction when one of his players steps up to take a penalty.
It happened last Sunday, when Liverpool drew 1-1 with Manchester City.
City defender Gael Clichy had just felled Roberto Firmino and referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot.
And that was Klopp’s cue to turn his back on the action.
Sky commentator Martin Tyler just noted that the German has a habit of not watching when penalties are being taken when the Reds boss spun 180° at the Etihad.
James Milner duly scored but Klopp has since revealed that he has no intention to change that quirky superstition of his.
“I would say that in general I’m not superstitious but when we shoot penalties it probably says something completely different,” Klopp said.
“I don’t want to touch wood, but I hope it stays like this.
“The only reason I don’t watch them is because from the start of the season he is doing a job well without my support. I don’t want to be responsible if he fails one or misses one!”
