Jurgen Klopp's influence clear as past meets future for ex-Liverpool boss in Champions League

When Liverpool face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday night, it'll be a poignant moment as Jurgen Klopp's legacy at Anfield intersects with his future endeavors. The ex-Reds gaffer is set to embark on a fresh challenge as Red Bull's head of global soccer come the new year.

Klopp will be delving into his new role with gusto, liaising closely with Leipzig and other teams within the Red Bull network . This position also brings about a reunion with Marco Rose, the current Leipzig boss and one of Klopp's former charges from his Mainz days.

With such connections, Klopp is bound to have a vested interest in the upcoming Champions League bout at the Red Bull Arena. Liverpool , now under the guidance of Arne Slot, are entering the fray with a flawless record in the competition thus far.

In the run-up to this intriguing encounter, Rose has been reminiscing about his stint under Klopp's tutelage. He's also shed light on the invaluable insights he gleaned from Klopp that might just influence the game against Liverpool.

"He always brought a lot of energy into our team," Rose reminisced. "Maybe we would be feeling weak but he came in and gave us the confidence, the power to play the next match and to believe in yourself, to believe that every situation can be turned around.

"As a coach, you can learn a lot from him. We might not always have been of the same opinion, but how he leads a group is unique, his honesty. Then it is especially about defending that I learned from him a lot.

"He is a great personality and a great person. I loved working together with him and I'm happy that we'll work together again."

The RB Leipzig boss also highlighted how Klopp's influence on the current Liverpool squad is still evident, despite the slight tweaks Slot has implemented since his arrival at Anfield. "I wouldn't say it has really changed," he commented.

"The game is Liverpool is very intense. Still Liverpool are very strong in pressing situations, they defend very well, it is an intense game. They are a very robust team, physically strong on and off the ball.

"It is the same character Liverpool had under Klopp, very dominant like in the old days. Slot does it in his own way of course with some different mechanisms but everything is clear. They are uncomfortable to defend against with high quality, a lot of vertical play, and a lot of possession."