A lofty claim by Jurgen Klopp left Derby County manager Paul Warne stunned after discovering that the German had a particular achievement in the world of racket sports.
Rams boss Warne spent some time with the Liverpool manager after The Reds played host to the League One side in the Carabao Cup earlier this season - a match Klopp's side eventually won 3-2 on penalties.
But it was the conversation the two managers had after the match which left an impression on Warne, who was clearly in awe of his opposite number on the night.
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Talking about the fixture, as per the Mirror, Warne explained how he was forced to help out with the pre-match warm up after one of his coaches picked up an injury. He said: “When I went out onto the pitch, Klopp was there. The Germans love all that. They stand there and intimidate you. They say it’s not intimidation - but it is because Klopp’s 12-feet tall. But then he comes over and said ‘Hello’ and invited me for a drink afterwards.
“I didn’t have any arguments with him during the game because, generally, I was terrified. Afterwards, I went in and we were just talking about life, I asked him what he did to look after himself. I swim and run a lot. Apparently, he plays padel.
“He said: 'Warney, you need one of them at your training ground.’ Trouble is, I didn’t fall off the Premier League money tree - I can’t pop a padel court onto a bit of land out the back. I played it myself on holiday and I loved it. But Jurgen thinks he’s excellent. Then he said: ‘I’m one of only three people in the world who have got a sponsorship deal on my padel racquet.’
“So, I went: ‘What?’ And he said 'Yes, there’s Rafa Nadal, the world champion and me.' He turned to his assistant and said: ‘That’s true, isn’t it?’ And he nodded and I said: ‘Oh my god.’ And with that, I went: ‘Right, we’re leaving.’"
Klopp's claim turns out to be true. He has a deal with renowned tennis equipment brand, Wilson. Warne's Derby are currently on a 19-match unbeaten run, but it is fair to say the the 49-year-old will not be taking on the German at padel tennis any time soon.
Nevertheless, his Rams side are set to face West Ham United in the FA Cup this evening and Warne does believe that he could wipe the floor with Hammers boss David Moyes at badminton.
Warne added: “I cannot see how David would beat me at badminton. I used to take on the players at my old club - and the new signings too. I’d get them in and ask: ‘Do you play badminton, at all?’ I don’t play for money. I play to embarrass them, then I’ve got them. I played Will Vaulks once who was at Sheffield Wednesday and who’s now at Cardiff. I don’t think he took a point off me. He couldn’t believe it, either.
“He was awful and I’ve absolutely hammered my assistant, Matt Hamshaw. I don’t think David could live with me on a badminton court. I’d be very surprised if he could, let’s put it like that.”
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