'Liverpool is similar to Dortmund and Klopp can take them to another level'

The German manager joined the Reds in October 2015 after establishing himself as one of Europe's finest coaches during a seven-year stint with Borussia Dortmund.

During his time with BVB, Klopp won two Bundesliga titles, the DFB-Pokal and was a Champions League runner-up, and his reputation flourished at Westfalenstadion.

Klopp's Reds face Ballack's former side at Anfield on Tuesday night looking to give their faltering campaign a huge shot in the arm after a wretched January that has seen them win just one of their eight games so far.

However, despite their start to 2017, Ballack feels that long-term, Klopp is the ideal man to bring success to Liverpool, after comparing the Reds, to Klopp's Dortmund side.

Ballack said: "Firstly, you need the quality and they have that.

"As a coach, Klopp has experience. He won the league with Borussia Dortmund and took them to a Champions League final.

"Liverpool are very similar to Dortmund and I think that’s why he chose them. You can have talent, but he’s the type of coach who can take players to another level."

Ballack, who played for the Londoners for four years between 2006-210, is eager to sample the Anfield atmosphere once more as he prepares to cover the game for German television on Tuesday night.

"There was always a big rivalry with Liverpool which dated back to when Jose Mourinho was Chelsea manager the first time," he added.

"It’s very difficult to win at Anfield but it’s an unbelievable feeling when you do, always a special moment. It’s a historical stadium and it was a great feeling [to win there]."

Source: Liverpool Echo

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