League: Kearney picks Klopp's brain

Kiwis coach Stephen Kearney enjoyed the chance to pick the brain of Jurgen Klopp. Photo / Michael Burgess

Stephen Kearney met one of the most high profile football coaches in the world today - swapping ideas about playing development and training - and may have even won over a new league fan.

The Kiwis practiced at Melwood today, the famed training venue of Liverpool FC since the 1950s. During their session, new Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp came out to take it in, and had a long chat with Kearney and assistant coach David Kidwell.

The trio watched the Kiwis complete a contact session, then Klopp, Kearney and Kidwell had a short tour of the rest of the grounds, as Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge completed an individual training session on an adjacent field

Klopp took over at Liverpool last month, after former manager Brendan Rodgers was sacked. He is rated as one of best coaches in the world, mainly for his achievements at Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

At Dortmund he took on - and toppled - the dominance of Bayern Munich, winning two Bundesliga titles. Klopp also took his team to a Champions League final.
Kearney was impressed by the whole experience, and particularly the openness of the man who has one of the biggest - and highly pressured - jobs in world sport.

"I've been to football clubs and other sports [clubs] before where they don't give a great deal away but he was wonderful," said Kearney of Klopp. "Sometimes the person you are talking to can be a bit reluctant to open up but I thought Jurgen was very open and I found that very, very enlightening to be fair."

Kearney was particularly interested in finding out about player development, which Klopp excelled in at Dortmund and is a particular strength of German football.

"I asked about the academy and the way they develop the players in Germany," said Kearney. "It is a lot different to the way it is here in England. It was a wonderful conversation, really enjoyable."

Klopp had seen bits of the Rugby World Cup but this was his first taste of the 13 man code.
"He knew a little bit about rugby," said Kearney. "He watched us train for a bit and saw the contact. He got a little bit of an appreciation for it and I think he is planning on watching the game on Saturday (Sunday NZT)."

Kearney also revealed himself to be a English Premier League fan, though he has developed a habit of switching teams over the years.

"I am a big soccer fan," said Kearney. "A couple of years ago I was riding Liverpool, last year on Chelsea, this year I might stick with Arsenal. Back in my teenage days I followed Spurs with Ossie Ardiles, Ray Clemence, [Glenn] Hoddle...so I have a bit of background in English football."

Melwood is a remarkable facility. It features three full size football grounds, including one that is made to the exact dimensions of Liverpool's Anfield ground (101m x 68m).

The pitches also feature full under soil heating, so they can be used throughout the harsh winter months in the north of England.
Melwod also boasts rehabilitation rooms, a gym, a swimming pool, a press meeting room and a restaurant.

The Kiwis enjoyed the experience, and even had an impromptu football session at the end of training. Martin Taupau revealed a wicked left foot shot - sending one strike over the top of towering perimeter fencing and onto another field while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Adam Blair and Kodi Nikorima impressed with their juggling skills.

The Kiwis have a day off tomorrow, before the captain's run at the DW stadium at Wigan on Friday (Saturday NZT) ahead of the game on Saturday (Sunday NZT).

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