Martin Keown picks Klopp over Guardiola and Pochettino

Martin Keown picks Klopp over Guardiola and Pochettino

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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has said that he would have loved to work under current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, over Pep Guardiola or Mauricio Pochettino. Keown has praised the former Borussia Dortmund manager for his personality and his ability to make every player feel important.

In Daily Mail's weekly column called Tackle Keown, where the former England international answers questions from the fans, Martin Keown was asked “Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino or Jurgen Klopp - who would you have most liked to have worked under as a player?”. Keown, who had spent a chunk of his Arsenal career under Arsene Wenger, opted to pick the Liverpool manager.

"Klopp. I like that madness of his personality!

"There's an energy about him and he seems to connect with his players.

"Just this morning, Divock Origi has said he knows the manager believes in him, even though he's been restricted to just five substitute appearances in the Premier League.

"Klopp makes the whole group feel important. If someone shows that belief in you then sometimes that's all it takes," Keown told Daily Mail.

Keown, who was part of some of the best defences in Arsenal's history, was also quizzed on the Gunners' new centre-back pairing – Shkodran Mustafi and Laurent Koscielny. The former Arsenal man is impressed with the German international but believes it is too early to level them as the best pairing since the 'Invincibles'.

“It's far too early to say if they are the best since the Invincibles but it looks like a very good, promising partnership.

“I like the way Mustafi organises himself. He is very good at slowing down his opponent, quick to get into position and reacts to danger quickly. He has a no-nonsense approach. He is also not selfish - he wants to help his partner.

“At 6ft, Mustafi is not the tallest but he has that spring and athleticism. Those attributes help create a better all-round centre back.

“Koscielny has also responded well to the challenge. Gabriel and Per Mertesacker are coming back for from injury while Rob Holding is a good prospect, so Koscielny and Mustafi will have to prove they are the No1 pairing,” Keown added.

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