FIFA revealed who was the best manager of the season in a virtual ceremony in Zurich due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The three finalists included Jurgen Klopp, Hansi Flick, and surprise nomination Marcelo Bielsa. The award was given to Liverpool’s manager Jurgen Klopp. The German coach led the Reds to their first league title in 30 years. Last season, Liverpool didn’t make it past the Round of 16 in the Champions League. However, the club’s 32 victories in 38 Premier League matches were enough to convince the voters.
Bayern Munich’s manager Hans-Dieter Flick was the betting house’s favorite to take the award home. Flick’s first season with the Bavarians ended with a treble achievement in the Champions League, Bundesliga, and German Cup. The 55-year-old manager had already won UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year back in October. Flick was in charge of 15 matches last season, securing an impressive 12 wins with the club.
Nonetheless, Klopp made football history as he secured the award for the second time in a row. The manager seemed surprised as his name was called out in the virtual ceremony. He thanked his staff and hinted that he wasn’t expecting the win.
“I’m in shock. I have a lot of respect for my fellow nominees. Honestly, there are so many people to thank, especially my coaches. If I had known we’d win it they would all be right here with me. What we did in the last few years was really special and it’s all about these boys,” said Klopp.
The German boss spoke about the how it felt to win the Premier League title last season.
“It felt really good. We didn’t dream it for 30 years but we dreamt for a few years. We set some highlights for Liverpool fans in a tricky year.”
Jurgen on how empty stadiums affect performances.
“The boys did really well, maybe we’re playing with long-term memory as we still remember how it feels. It’s really a hectic schedule but my team did really well, it’s obviously very nice. We just try to keep improving so we have something to celebrate when the fans come back.”
Finally, Klopp assumed he wasn’t the best manager in the world: “I’m not (The Best Men’s Coach) but I won the award so that’s nice.”
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