Antonio Rudiger made feelings clear on Jurgen Klopp amid Liverpool transfer links

The defender has been mentioned as a possible target for Liverpool - and while that looks highly unlikely - he has previously spoken highly of Jurgen Klopp, who he knows from their time at Dortmund

Antonio Rudiger has been linked with a move to Liverpool(Image: Alvaro Medranda/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Liverpool has been linked with a move for ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger.

The German’s contract at Real Madrid is set to expire this summer, and with no extension in sight, his future looks set to be away from the Bernabeu. Rudiger joined Real in 2022 and has played 174 times for the club, but has struggled with injuries this season.

He has featured in all of Los Blancos’ four knockout Champions League matches in recent weeks and, given his quality and experience, will attract plenty of admirers this summer. According to TuttoSport, Liverpool is among them, along with Manchester United and Juventus.

As unlikely as a move for Rudiger is — he doesn’t fit the Reds’ age profile for centre-back recruitment — he does have one strong link with a Liverpool legend.

The 33-year-old was at Dortmund as a youth-team player, and although he never played for the senior team, then manager Jurgen Klopp made a huge impression on a youthful Rudiger.

“I didn’t get much, but when he spoke to me at the friendly match I saw he’s a coach that gives you motivation, like you’re the best in the world," Rudiger told Goal in a 2018 interview after he signed for Chelsea. “That’s very good and one of his best skills as a coach.

Rudiger has reportedly been sent an offer from Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

“He had nothing to do with [me leaving], because I was in the youth [team]. I knew for myself I had to leave Dortmund to play first-team football.

“I spoke to him twice, because he used to watch a lot of academy games. He also invited me to a friendly match.

“I was 16, or something like that. For me, it was important because at the time, Dortmund won the league twice in a row.

Jurgen Klopp made a huge impression on Rudiger during their time at Dortmund(Image: Getty Images)

“There was almost no chance [to make my debut]. So for me, I was young but I was very realistic. I thought: 'Okay, maybe I need to go'.

“It wasn't a step back, maybe it was even a step forward. I went to a team that was a bit lower [in the table] but I was playing.”

Klopp took charge of Dortmund between 2008 and 2015, leading the club to the 2013 Champions League final.

As for Ruidger, he played over 200 times for Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and Champions League with the London club.

He could come up against Liverpool later this season if both clubs progress to the Champions League semi-finals.