New Delhi: Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav has made a name for himself with his skillful spin bowling, but away from cricket, he has a deep passion for football. Like millions around the world, he was drawn to the game through its most exciting moments, but for him, it was one man who made the biggest impact, Jurgen Klopp. In a recent episode of the Premier League’s The Desi PL Podcast, Yadav spoke about how he became a Liverpool fan and credited Klopp’s tactical brilliance for making him fall in love with the club.
Before Jurgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield in 2015, Yadav didn’t follow any particular English football club. However, as Klopp transformed Liverpool into one of the most dominant sides in Europe with his famous gegenpressing tactics, Kuldeep Yadav found himself drawn to their intense and electrifying style of play.
Over time, his admiration for the team turned into a deep-rooted fandom, and he now follows Liverpool closely in both the Premier League and European competitions.
Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing tactics influenced Kuldeep Yadav to become a die-hard fan
We watched a game together a month ago in Bengaluru. Kuldeep wanted to drop in for screening and watch the game along with fans.
He’s a hardcore Liverpool fan, so we had good healthy banter with respect to Amorim taking charge😈
Down to earth humble guy❤️ https://t.co/t9vLA2YFBr pic.twitter.com/uKDV0Invf5— Manoj Lad😈 (@BeardedRedDevil) January 31, 2025
Kuldeep Yadav explained that Klopp’s high-intensity approach to football caught his attention instantly. Gegenpressing, a tactic that involves immediately trying to win back possession after losing the ball, requires relentless energy, speed, and tactical discipline. Under Klopp, Liverpool perfected this style, turning it into a key part of their identity.
He spoke about how Liverpool’s pressing game fascinated him and how the team’s aggressive and fast-paced approach made their matches thrilling to watch.
It wasn’t just about winning games; it was the way they played that impressed him. The commitment, the energy, and the never-say-die attitude resonated with him as an athlete, making him appreciate football on a different level.
Embracing Liverpool fandom
Cricket star by day, football fanatic always!
Kuldeep Yadav spills the beans on his love for the Premier League in the first-ever episode of the Desi PL Podcast!Streaming now ⬇️ @imkuldeep18
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) January 30, 2025
What started as mere admiration for Klopp’s tactics soon turned into full-fledged support for Liverpool. Yadav revealed that he began following their games regularly, celebrating their wins and feeling the heartbreak of their losses. The passion and unity within the club and its supporters only deepened his connection to the team.
Kuldeep Yadav’s story highlights how football’s influence goes beyond borders and sports. For him, Klopp’s tactical genius and Liverpool’s thrilling style of play created an unbreakable bond with the club, proving once again why football has the power to bring fans from all over the world together.
The Indian cricketer explained that Klopp’s high-intensity football, relentless pressing, and dynamic tactics made Liverpool an exciting team to watch, eventually leading him to support the club with full dedication. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today