Klopp rejects Kompany's man‑marking mantra – ball‑oriented pressing stays his credo
While Jürgen Klopp, as national team coach, emphasizes that he is not a pope of football, Vincent Kompany with his man‑marking mantra presents a clear contrast – a tension between ball‑oriented pressing and defensive individual marking.
Klopp, who has been leading the German national team since his departure from Liverpool almost two and a half years ago, describes himself as a “counter‑pope of football”. He emphasizes that he is not the pope of football, but a coach who reads everything that happens around him.
Since his departure, a trend has emerged in the international football community that elevates man‑marking to the highest creed. At the forefront of this movement is Vincent Kompany, coach of FC Bayern Munich, who faced FC Arsenal with his team on Wednesday evening in the Champions League.
Champions‑League‑Encounter
During the halftime break of this match, Klopp spoke and clearly distanced himself from Kompany’s man‑marking ideology. He used the opportunity to reaffirm his own tactical orientation and to criticize the growing man‑marking trend.
Klopp criticises Bayern system under Kompany, Oliver Kahn reacts
“I still haven’t fully understood what Bayern does against the ball,” Klopp explained. He reiterated that ball‑oriented defending is the prerequisite for the football his national team is supposed to play.
When asked about the use of Harry Kane, Klopp said: “You said Harry Kane is everywhere today. I find that absolutely fine with the ball. Against the ball? If I see Harry Kane standing in the last line, and not in a deep block but in the midfield press – that’s simply for me.” He added that he is not the pope of football and anyone can do what they want, but he himself is not yet fully behind man‑marking.
The contrast between Klopp’s ball‑first philosophy and Kompany’s man‑marking mantra highlights a growing tactical schism in European football, which, according to Klopp, will lead to further counter‑pressing sermons.