Turns out Jurgen Klopp really loves “Rocky”.
The Liverpool manager waxed poetic about the Sylvester Stallone-helmed boxing series, saying he’s a lifelong fan of the films.
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That includes the latest installment, as Klopp caught up with the seventh installment, “Creed”, on Friday.
And while Goodison Park plays a role in the film -- Stallone is an Everton supporter -- that didn’t temper Klopp’s enjoyment. From the BBC:“When I got home there was nothing to do anymore and we decided to watch a film and I found Creed - it was really good.
“I had no idea that Goodison Park played a part in it. It looked good but not more.
“When I was much younger I tried to use the story of Rocky IV - Rocky Balboa against Ivan Drago - in a meeting and after five minutes I realised my players did not have a clue what I was talking about so I had to start new. Only two players knew the film.
“Rocky is a wonderful story, I have loved him my whole life. Maybe some day I will run up the stairs in Philidelphia but not this week.”
Monday’s Merseyside Derby is Klopp’s first trip to Goodison Park as a manager. Hopefully the reception and experience don’t ruin his “Rocky” love.
LIVERPOOL, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 14: Hollywood Actor Sylvester Stallone salutes the fans with an Everton scarf prior to the start of the Barclays Premiership match between Everton and Reading at Goodison Park on January 14, 2007 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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