'Klopp's dream to coach Manchester United, but there is more passion at Liverpool'

Krautzun was Klopp's boss at German club Mainz until the current Liverpool manager succeeded him in 2001. The pair of long-standing associates have remained in touch since then, with Klopp taking charge of Dortmund before completing a switch to English football.

However, Krautzun revealed that Anfield was never his favoured destination. 'I’m not surprised he does so well. When it came to his favourite club, however, Liverpool weren’t always number one', Krautzun told Set Pieces website.

The German coach once confided in his mentor that his ultimate ambition was to sit in the dugout at Old Trafford. 'It would be his dream to go to England one day and his favourite club would be [Manchester] United. That’s what he said'.

Krautzun struck up a close friendship with Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1970's and the German attempted to talk Klopp up to the former United boss. However, Louis Van Gaal was chosen as the Scotsman's successor and the offer finally came from Liverpool. But Klopp could have ended up at the helm of the Reds' sworn enemies.

'I said, "Jurgen Klopp, if he goes abroad, if he goes to England, his love would be Manchester United." After three or four months not working, I knew that he wanted to be in action again…when the offer came from Liverpool [that October], I knew he would not hesitate because he wanted to get into a top club in England', Krautzun said.