Mainz captain: I lived through the emotion of Klopp's era
FSV Mainz 05 captain Stefan Bell is anticipating an occasion to savour when he leads his team out against Liverpool – and Jürgen Klopp – this afternoon.
The Reds boss will take on his former club at the Opel Arena in what’s sure to be a poignant encounter given his successful history with Die Nullfunfer as a player and manager.
Bell, a lifelong Mainz supporter who was part of their youth set-up when Klopp was in charge, told Liverpoolfc.com: “We are very much looking forward to this friendly match with Liverpool. I mean, this is one of the biggest clubs with the longest-standing tradition in the world - Europa League finalist at that.
“And of course, Jürgen Klopp is the coach, so this is very special for the fans in Mainz.
“When I came into the U16 team in Mainz back in the day, he was the manager of the first team. And with me being from the area of Mainz, I of course followed the sensational first promotion to the Bundesliga as a kid.
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“Then later as a youth player at the club, I followed his emotional departure.
“I am 100 per cent sure the fans will be super excited to see him and greet him in an extra special way in the Opel Arena.
“But us players on the pitch, we are not planning to hand out any gifts on matchday. We are going into this match to try and win.”
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