Exclusive Markus Babbel Interview

Markus Babbel (born September 8, 1972) is a German professional football coach and former player who has served internationally as both a player and manager. Noted for his time at Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Babbel played as a defender and won the UEFA Cup twice, once with each team. Babbel, a prominent figure in German football, also played an integral role in Germany's victory in UEFA Euro 96. 

After playing, he stepped into coaching and managed clubs like VfB Stuttgart and, most recently, the Western Sydney Wanderers FC. This biography delves into Babbel's extensive career in football, encompassing his early days in Bayern Munich, his stints with multiple clubs across Germany and England, his national team run, and transitions into football management.

Markus Babbel demonstrated equal prowess as a player and coach throughout his career. From scoring goals in the UEFA Cup to coaching teams to victory in the Bundesliga, Babbel's multifaceted involvement in football manifests his undeniable contribution to the sport. His career serves as a testament to his talent and impact on the teams he served, illuminating his remarkable journey in the world of football.

Markus Babbel Interview April 2024

Speaking exclusively to OLBG, former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel has tipped Jurgen Klopp as a leading candidate for the next England manager after Gareth Southgate.

Babbel has also outlined weaknesses in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive abilities, with Liverpool set to end the season with a single trophy.

The ex-Germany international has also picked out Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler as the biggest party animals he played with during his career.

Babbel has also outlined Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool as potential destinations for Jamal Musiala should he leave Bayern Munich.

Q: Can Liverpool still beat Manchester City to the title?

MB: “Liverpool may have hope in the title race after Manchester City lost to Real Madrid.

“If Man City weren’t in the race, then I would say there's a massive chance there still. Even the results in the past weren't so good. 

“But Man City, they look like a machine. They are unbelievable. The only thing is now after the loss against Real Madrid, they will be very disappointed because they thought they were strong enough to win the Champions League again, so that could give Liverpool hope.

“With six games still to play it’s tough. But I’m crossing my fingers for Jurgen Klopp that his team can go on and win the title, because they have to do it against a machine.”

Q: Will Jurgen Klopp’s exit be underwhelming if Liverpool don’t win another trophy?

MB: “I really hope that Jurgen Klopp wins another trophy before he leaves but the Premier League is going to be so tough. it will be incredibly difficult.

“No one was expecting Liverpool to be this strong this season because the whole midfield changed, so the overall performance has been fantastic and being so close to Manchester City. But after the defeat against Atalanta, their biggest chance of another trophy is gone.

“But the fans love him. He's a legend there and I still know he will enjoy the last game at Anfield and the reception Liverpool fans will give him.”

Q: Could we see Jurgen Klopp as the next Germany manager?

MB: “Jurgen Klopp would be a fantastic solution for Germany. He is one of the best managers in history and fans love him. The German people love him because he is so smart, he is a fantastic manager. 

“The players there would have massive respect for him. He's one of these guys you just want to meet him and you really want to work with him, he’s the reason so many players have gone to Liverpool. 

“Some of them might have gone to other clubs if it wasn’t for him, the German players would be delighted to play under him for the national side.

“He always picks the right thing to do in tough situations, he is strong with the media. He can be harsh but he defends his players. He would be a fantastic appointment for Germany.”

Q: Should Trent Alexander-Arnold be a midfielder, will he start for England?

MB: “I love to watch Trent Alexander-Anrold as a right-back. He's absolutely my favorite player. But of course, defensive wise he’s not the best. He’s a top player but he has weaknesses there. 

“But he has created so many chances and scored plenty of goals, he has played in midfield as well but I love to see him on the right hand side.

“With the national team it is quite difficult because they have Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier who are both fantastic. I’m just happy I can watch him at Liverpool.

“I think Kyle Walker will start for England because in both ways he's strong. He can attack, he can defend, he's quick, he's fast, he's strong. I think he will start.”

Q: Could Jurgen Klopp be the next England manager?

MB: “England have to consider Jurgen Klopp as their next manager. England have a very strong squad, with so many talented players. 

“If Gareth Southgate can't win Euro 2024 then England will have a problem, of course Jurgen Klopp has to be in the frame but I want him in Germany. But England need to think about him.” 

Q: Could you see Jamal Musiala in the Premier League with Liverpool?

MB: “I don’t think Jamal Musiala is on his way to the Premier League because Bayern Munich will do everything to keep him at the club, he is the biggest talent at Bayern.

“He's an amazing player who always makes a difference. I can't believe that Bayern Munich would want to sell him. They will also be willing to pay him a lot of money for a longer contract.

“He is a different class to the other players and of course the English teams are looking for him because he's a fantastic player and he could improve every team. 

“If he did go to the Premier League he’d need to play for someone like Manchester City, Arsenal or Liverpool, that’s how good he is. But Bayern will give him the money to stay.”

Q: Which young stars in the Bundesliga would you like to see in the Premier League?

MB: “That’s a difficult question because often when players go to England from Germany they have so many problems. The Premier League is so much quicker and stronger than the Bundesliga, I often question why players make the transfer.

“But then again you have players like Pascal Gross who has done so well for Brighton, even better than he did in the Bundesliga. 

“But even if you look at Shinji Kagawa or Ibrahima Konate who really struggled at the start before he adapted to the pace.

“So you never know, sometimes you have to consider if it is the right style for the player. The most important thing for clubs like Manchester United who have so many issues outside, you can’t find the best performances on the pitch.”

Q: What are the views in Germany of Harry Kane’s failure to win the Bundesliga with Bayern?

MB: “It's so sad for Harry Kane, he's scoring so many goals, he's playing fantastically for Bayern Munich. He's one of the only guys who's bringing his best performances.

“The supporters love him because he's a gentleman and he’s doing his job, but his team-mates not doing their jobs have cost them.

“In terms of winning the Bundesliga next season, Bayer Leverkusen will be strong again and they now know they can win a trophy. 

“They have the momentum at the moment on this side and Xabi Alonso will still be there, so it will be very difficult again for Bayern Munich.”

Q: Should Jadon Sancho and Ian Maatsen stay in the Bundesliga next season?

MB: “I think especially for Jason Sancho the Bundesliga is the right place for him to be. He’s looking better and performing better. At Manchester United it looked like it was a twin playing, he was badly short of confidence and he should stay with Borussia Dortmund.

“For Ian Maatsen, he should also stay at Dortmund for another year to have the confidence that he is playing regularly and won’t be dropped after one bad game. Let him stay for another year and Chelsea will get a top player back.”

Q: Would you choose a peak Oliver Khan or Alisson to play alongside?

MK: “It’s difficult to say because it was a different time. When Oliver Kahn was playing, he was by far the best goalkeeper in the world. 

“Alisson Becker is outstanding in the younger generation, he’s one of LIverpool’s best ever signings and is a top class goalkeeper. I couldn’t choose between them. I’m just so happy that Kahn was in my team.”

Q: Which of your former team-mates loved a party the most?

MB: “Didi Hamann and Christian Ziege were really good at celebrating titles, but the best by far were Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler. It was unbelievable how much they could drink.

“We were top professionals, but if you win something you have to celebrate. You put so much energy, so much work in this business and there is so much pressure on you. When you win you have to celebrate with a strong session.

“And oh my god Jamie Carragher was the perfect guy to celebrate with, he can sing, he can dance, he can drink. Perfect for a good party.”