LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp took time out from the Premier League title race this week to pass on some top tips to Newport County AFC boss Michael Flynn.
County return to action after a two-week break when they travel to Yeovil Town tomorrow and Flynn is hoping some Premier League know-how will help his side mount a late push for the League Two play-offs.
Flynn, a boyhood Liverpool fan, was invited to the Reds’ Melwood training complex on Tuesday as Klopp’s men began preparations for Sunday’s home clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
“I went up to watch training through my friend who is the first team coach there – Pep Linders,” explained the Exiles boss.
“We did our coaching badges together and we always keep in contact.
“He’s a fantastic coach. I’ve learned off Pep as well as I’ve seen him coach many times but seeing him in his environment and not just on a coaching course, he’s one of the best I’ve seen coach wise.
“I’m always looking to improve and was very fortunate I was allowed up.
“It was a fantastic experience and I got to speak with Jurgen Klopp afterwards, who treated me exceptionally well. For me it was surreal because I’m a Liverpool fan.
“It’s great to see how the top professionals do it day in day out and you don’t often get the chance to see them train. It was an unbelievable experience.”
Klopp praised Flynn and his team following their run to the FA Cup fifth round, which was ended by Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City last month.
“He’s got a few other things on his mind, but he was very complimentary and full or respect and class,” said Flynn.
“Mauricio Pochettino was class [after last season’s FA Cup games against Spurs], Pep Guardiola was class and Jurgen Klopp was class.
“They’re at the top for a reason. The way they treat their players, even the tea ladies, is excellent.
“It was definitely a very good experience for me where I learnt one or two things. I had a day up there and it was fantastic.
“I’m a football fan as well. I’ve been very lucky in my short careers to have one on ones with these talented managers who are at the top of their game.
“I’m taking bits on board and I’m trying to improve as well.
“It was good because on Monday the roles were reversed,” he added.
“We had Jason Strange in from the Cardiff Blues because he wanted to have a look at how we work. You can only pick up things from different coaches and different sports and it’s something I’m all for because all I want to do is improve.”
County goalkeeper Joe Day revealed that the players had been ribbing their boss since he returned from Merseyside.
“The nickname Michael Klopp was flying around in training,” joked Day.
“He always likes to learn as much as he can and that’s great in a young manager.
“It’s part of his character that he’s always learning and I’m sure he would have taken a lot from that.
“And we’ll only benefit from things that he’s seen up there that you’re not going to see at this level and hopefully he can implement.”
Read more: Flynn insists Exiles still have plenty to play for
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