German manager of Liverpool, Juergen Klopp, paid homage to Franz Beckenbauer on Tuesday, stating that the World Cup-winning player and coach from his nation served as an inspiration to him throughout his career.
Beckenbauer, who led the squad to victory in the 1974 World Cup and again as manager in 1990, passed away on Sunday at the age of 78, according to a statement from his family on Monday.
“I don’t want to sound like a broken record but the world will be really a different place without him, at least for me,” Klopp said on the club’s website.
“I had the opportunity to get to know him a little bit better during the 2006 World Cup and the Confederations Cup in 2005.
The football icon Beckenbauer revolutionized the game.
“It was extremely inspiring how he handled it—lighthearted, amiable, smiling, and serious when needed. He never tried to seem better than he was; as a manager in particular, he was constantly aware of his need for assistance.”
Because Beckenbauer was such an important part of Klopp’s life, he stated he needed time to absorb his passing and was unable to talk with German media on Monday.
“He taught me something that I didn’t know at that time that I will need in my life: that you can be famous, you can be a lot in the media, everybody is talking about you and you still can be absolutely yourself,” Klopp said.
During the Germany great’s 75th birthday festivities, the manager also remembered having private discussions with Beckenbauer and his wife Heidi. He also said that he kept in frequent contact with Beckenbauer and his family during his sickness.
“A few months ago we had a phone call and he was alright but you realised he was not in a top shape and he is now in a better place,” he said.