Klopp says Madrid's physical defending drove his past support for Barcelona
The Germany coach now takes a more neutral view of El Clasico but considers Barcelona the stronger team ahead of the October 25 meeting.
Germany coach Jurgen Klopp said his former preference for Barcelona in El Clasico came from his dislike of Real Madrid's physical defending, particularly that of Pepe during Jose Mourinho's first spell as manager.
Speaking to DAZN during the Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal, the former Liverpool manager explained that challenges by Pepe and other Madrid defenders had pushed him toward Barcelona. He said those memories no longer determine which side he supports.
Klopp said he now favors whichever team plays better and judged Barcelona to be probably the stronger side ahead of the October 25 fixture at Camp Nou, where Mourinho will again be in charge of Madrid.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona have opened their La Liga campaign with nine wins from nine matches, scoring 39 goals and moving six points clear of Madrid. Their unbeaten run across all competitions ended with a 4-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Madrid beat RB Leipzig 4-1 in their Champions League match. Vinicius Junior is suspended for the Clasico, while summer signing Yan Diomande scored and supplied an assist after coming on for him against Leipzig.
