IT was surprising to read in Paul Cuddihy’s interview with Jurgen Klopp on the official Celtic website yesterday that the Liverpool manager has yet to experience the atmosphere at Celtic Park.
He will get an idea shortly, although perhaps it will not be at the level he’d experience if he ever brings his Liverpool side to Parkhead on European business.
The popular German, has agreed to take charge of James Milner’s squad for the ‘Match for Cancer’ at Celtic Park during the dreaded international break. The game takes place at Celtic Park on 8 September with a 2pm kick-off time, and the Klopp/Milner partnership will be the opposition to Stan Petrov’s squad which will be managed by the former Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers.
Maybe since it’s a big Liverpool day out someone will ask Steven Gerrard to pop over but hopefully by that stage he’ll be too too busy licking his wounds after his own first experience of Paradise as a manager.
Klopp spoke about the Celtic aura to the Celtic View editor, who also penned Brendan Rodgers’ biography last year.
“Actually I cannot wait to come to Celtic Park,” Jurgen Klopp enthused.
“Being someone who loves football and its traditions, it is very difficult to ignore a club like Celtic. It is a club, in quite an elite group I would say, where it doesn’t matter where you go in the world, there is always a very good chance you will see or meet someone who is either a Celtic fan directly or has an affiliation or a sense of belonging to the club.
“I have never been to a game at Celtic – doing a derby game is actually on my bucket list – but for now I think the experience of being involved with this game will be enough to at least see and feel what Celtic Park and the club is all about.
“Liverpool has so many close connections as club, not least at this moment that Brendan Rodgers is doing such a fantastic job as your manager. Kenny Dalglish likewise always tells me how special the connection is.
“I also have two members of my team at the moment who are always glued to the TV at our training ground when Celtic play, in Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson. Virgil is an ex-Celtic player, of course, but Robbo is just a massive, massive Celtic fan.
“So I get to hear lots about Celtic. In Robbo’s case, he talks constantly about it, even when you don’t ask, and all I hear is that it is a special club that has a lot of heart and soul. So I’m really looking forward to getting my own experience of this.”
And the Liverpool manager was quick to praise Stiliyan Petrov for his charitable efforts and for the way he responded to his own health scare.
“I know that Stiliyan’s story and situation had a big impact on him and as a result his foundation is very supportive.
“Milly (James Milner) is not the most outgoing with the softer emotions, shall we say, but when you speak to his wife she will tell you how important Stiliyan is to him and what a big impact him being ill had on James.
“Stiliyan is not someone I know well on a personal level, but if you judge people by how others view them then he must be a very special person because I only hear positive things. It is inspirational that he has used a very difficult personal situation to benefit a very important cause – by which I mean raising money and awareness about the illness.
“I can’t imagine there is a person anywhere in the world who hasn’t been effected by cancer in some way, by either having an issue themselves, or a family member or a close friend impacted. So it is very easy to admire what these guys do and for me being able to help, even if it is just in a small way, is important.”
Jurgen Klopp is well aware of the special bond that exists between his own club and Celtic.
“I have heard about this but I look forward to learning more.
“I know both clubs thrive on really positive emotion. I know both clubs have You’ll Never Walk Alone as an anthem – so I can’t wait to hear that at Celtic Park.
“I think the passion, warmth and humour of our supporters is also something than brings us together. Celtic supporters are fantastic ambassadors for their club wherever they are on this planet, and this is certainly the case for Liverpool fans too.
“If you meet someone who is Celtic, they have great pride in identifying themselves as such and I love this. So I know some things but look forward to hearing and learning others when I finally get to visit.”
TICKET DETAILS
*With the match now just over a week away, time is running out to secure your place at Paradise to show your support. Tickets are on general sale now, priced at £14 for adults and £6 for concessions*.
Don’t leave it too late to secure your seat and buy ONLINE NOW to print your tickets at home! Choose the ‘Ticketfast’ option at the checkout to receive your tickets via email to print and scan at the turnstiles for entry to the stadium.
Alternatively, tickets are also available to buy in person from the Ticket Office at Celtic Park, or via the sales line by calling 0871 226 1888.*
Only lower tier seats are available for this match and Rail Seating is not in operation.
Or why not make your matchday experience extra special, and choose from our Premium (£30) and corporate package options (£135) which are also available by calling our Hospitality Team on 0871 226 1888** (Option 4) or emailing matchdayhospitality@celticfc.co.uk
* Concessions 65+/Under-16s.
** Calls cost 13p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. Booking fees apply online and via our sales line.
