Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp explains decision to shun touchline suits

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained why he chooses to wear a tracksuit on the touchline rather than a suit.

The German manager is known for keeping things casual when directing games from the sidelines, whereas many of his contemporaries opt for smart outfits.

Is Klopp the ultimate tracksuit manager? Four key things to know…

• Klopp has rarely worn a suit during his time in English football.
• He now prefers to save his best attire for specific occasions.
• The German is much more “comfortable” in a tracksuit.
• He revealed that he wants to concentrate on the football rather than what to wear.

https://audioboom.com/posts/7367517-de-bruyne-is-on-course-to-break-henry-s-most-impressive-premier-league-record

The German is well-known for not wearing suits on the touchline at Anfield and only wears them on the rarest of occasions.

With Liverpool reaching the Champions League final twice during his tenure, the Reds boss chose not to turn out in a suit on either occasion.

There are no rules that specifically dictate what a coach or manager should wear while conducting his side from pitchside, but many do choose to dress in smart suits. However, the German is not comfortable with such a fashion choice.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Klopp said: “I have a suit for weddings, funerals and if someone tells me I have to wear a suit, otherwise this will never be my ideal. Take the James Milner gala, I wear a suit, sometimes a tuxedo.

“If everyone else wears one, I don’t want to be the ‘colour point’ in a group where people think ‘oh, he’s not wearing a suit’.

“I don’t feel comfortable in it. The tie, I cannot breathe properly. So I don’t want to think about the game what I wear.

“I’m really happy that the kit man gives me something I can jump in and I got out. I’m just not made for that, that’s it. I do wear suits from time to time. A football game was never part of it.”

Subscribe to Squawka’s Youtube channel here.

“When I started in the Champions League I did it because somebody told me it was ‘duty’, so that’s why. When I saw another manager standing next to me not wearing a suit I was done.

“I really don’t like to think about other things other than football. I’m not the best person to have small talk around football games because I’m completely focused.

“I don’t want to look good on the sidelines, my team should look good, that’s my main target.”

Liverpool have made a 100% start to the season, winning all their Premier League matches so far and currently sit five points clear at the top of the table.

They travel to Napoli for their opening Champions League group game on Tuesday night and fans can expect to see Klopp kitted out in his casual outfit with baseball cap to match.