Jurgen Klopp isn't just a managerial mastermind and world-class coach, he's also quite the comedian.
From his very first press conference after being unveiled as Liverpool 's new manager - and ultimate saviour - in October 2015, the German cracked jokes and demonstrated a level of charisma which was hard not to lap up. And seven years later, Klopp is still pulling people's legs - even his own players'.
Following a five-star victory over RB Leipzig during the Reds' pre-season campaign in Austria, the 55-year-old spoke to the opposition's YouTube channel alongside stars Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool signed both players from Leipzig for £52.75million and £36m respectively, prompting the gaffer to note their hefty price tags to the interviewer.
Asked if he was happy with midfielder Keita and defender Konate's performances, and the pair in general, Klopp quipped: "Yeah, even though you paid us a little and we paid too much money for them!"
Both Keita and Konate were left in stitches by their boss' joke, and Klopp made sure to let the pair know that he was only messing with them by adding: "These are two great guys you've given us... We're still really happy."
As new £85m signing Darwin Nunez scored four of the Reds' goals, the former Borussia Dortmund and Mainz manager was understandably happy with all of his players in the emphatic win. "I would have bought it actually. It's really nice," Klopp beamed post-match. "You see everything.
"First half – good moments, lesser-good moments, not enough movement, we need to get used to how hard it is to play 50, 60, 70 minutes – and in the end 90 or 120. The human body is like this, you need to get used to it again. When we struggled a little bit it was always after three minutes' break we played football again, then a deep breather and play football again.
"And I wanted us to be a bit more hard with ourselves, go over that point, it's pre-season. And move more. I think we did that second half obviously. [ Jordan Henderson ] came on, [ James Milner ] – they both were lively. Hendo all of a sudden as an eight, went in behind and we created chances. Then Mo [Salah] gives Darwin the penalty and Darwin, Pandora's box was open. That's of course a perfect night for him."
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Turning to his team's training camp in Austria before facing Red Bull Salzburg in a friendly on Wednesday, Klopp added: "Very much [looking forward to it]. We need that time now. We are not even close to where we want to be physically. We have to get there. The weather and everything is difficult, it will be difficult in Austria as well. It's good.
"We have to get through this, we have to work extremely hard and then we will be fine. I'm not sure if we will be fine against Salzburg because now we really go for it, but we will give it a try. The most important part of pre-season starts now."
The Reds officially start their 2022-23 season next Saturday, clashing with Manchester City for the Community Shield.
