Jurgen Klopp has shared some valuable insights during his appearance on Rio Ferdinand's Vibe With Five podcast where he delivered a straightforward message to his players and all footballers.
During his recent interview, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp offered his perspective on Lionel Messi, highlighting how the legendary player influenced his team's belief in his tactics.
Klopp emphasized that the 8th time Ballon d'Or holder is the only player who does not have to focus on defending while on the pitch.
Klopp said: "I would tell everyone that as long as you are not Lionel Messi, you have to defend."
"He is the only one who can wait for the ball and do what he wants, everyone else has to defend."
The 8th-time Ballon d'Or holder and World Cup winner Lionel Messi is truly a unique player.
While Messi can stroll around conserving energy, he can unleash his magic at the perfect moment, effortlessly dribbling past opponents and scoring amazing goals.
Unless you are Messi himself, however, you must be prepared to work hard defensively, according to Klopp.
Meanwhile, as a confirmation to Klopp's claim, many analysts and coaches have observed that Messi can play every game of the season because he can rest on the pitch while still making a huge impact.
In a game against Real Madrid in December 2017, it was discovered that the Argentine football maestro walked 83 percent of the approximately 8 kilometers he covered during the match.
Despite this, Barcelona won the Clasico 3-0, with Messi scoring a goal and providing an assist.
In addition, in the 2017/18 Champions League, the Argentine had the lowest average distance covered per 90 minutes among all top attackers, less than 8 km.
Despite this, he still managed to score 6 goals and provide 2 assists in ten appearances that season.
Meanwhile, the Irish Times reporter Ken Early once highlighted Messi's ability to win matches by moving less than others, which is a testament to his intelligence on the pitch.
Ken said: "Only Messi has figured out how to win matches by moving less than everyone else".
While his peers focus on maintaining their physical fitness, Messi's success comes from his efficiency and strategic gameplay according to Ken.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has seen Lionel Messi from the opposite side before.
Back in the summer of 2016 in a pre-season game, Liverpool defeated Barcelona with a scoreline of 4-0 at Wembley.
However, three years later, they met again in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi scored two goals in a 3-0 victory for Barcelona, putting them in a strong position for the second leg.
The return leg at Anfield turned out to be a historic night as Liverpool made an incredible comeback, winning 4-0 to secure a spot in the final for the second time in two years.
What's your take on Klopp's claim? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below:
During his recent interview, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp offered his perspective on Lionel Messi, highlighting how the legendary player influenced his team's belief in his tactics.
Klopp emphasized that the 8th time Ballon d'Or holder is the only player who does not have to focus on defending while on the pitch.
Klopp said: "I would tell everyone that as long as you are not Lionel Messi, you have to defend."
"He is the only one who can wait for the ball and do what he wants, everyone else has to defend."
The 8th-time Ballon d'Or holder and World Cup winner Lionel Messi is truly a unique player.
While Messi can stroll around conserving energy, he can unleash his magic at the perfect moment, effortlessly dribbling past opponents and scoring amazing goals.
Unless you are Messi himself, however, you must be prepared to work hard defensively, according to Klopp.
Meanwhile, as a confirmation to Klopp's claim, many analysts and coaches have observed that Messi can play every game of the season because he can rest on the pitch while still making a huge impact.
In a game against Real Madrid in December 2017, it was discovered that the Argentine football maestro walked 83 percent of the approximately 8 kilometers he covered during the match.
Despite this, Barcelona won the Clasico 3-0, with Messi scoring a goal and providing an assist.
In addition, in the 2017/18 Champions League, the Argentine had the lowest average distance covered per 90 minutes among all top attackers, less than 8 km.
Despite this, he still managed to score 6 goals and provide 2 assists in ten appearances that season.
Meanwhile, the Irish Times reporter Ken Early once highlighted Messi's ability to win matches by moving less than others, which is a testament to his intelligence on the pitch.
Ken said: "Only Messi has figured out how to win matches by moving less than everyone else".
While his peers focus on maintaining their physical fitness, Messi's success comes from his efficiency and strategic gameplay according to Ken.
Jurgen Klopp's encounter with Lionel Messi
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has seen Lionel Messi from the opposite side before.
Back in the summer of 2016 in a pre-season game, Liverpool defeated Barcelona with a scoreline of 4-0 at Wembley.
However, three years later, they met again in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Camp Nou.
Lionel Messi scored two goals in a 3-0 victory for Barcelona, putting them in a strong position for the second leg.
The return leg at Anfield turned out to be a historic night as Liverpool made an incredible comeback, winning 4-0 to secure a spot in the final for the second time in two years.
What's your take on Klopp's claim? Please, share your thoughts with us in the comments box below: