Jurgen Klopp admits Ralf Rangnick's imminent arrival at Manchester United is "unfortunate" for Liverpool and other Premier League clubs.
Rangnick is on the verge of penning a short-term deal which will make him Red Devils boss until the end of the season and keep him on as a consultant for two years after that.
The 63-year-old is regarded as a key role model for a generation of talented German coaches which includes Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann.
Read more: How Ralf Rangnick's Man Utd could line up as new boss looks to implement his own style
Rangnick made a name for himself in his homeland as a manager and a sporting director, famously developing RB Leipzig into the European force they are today.
Klopp expects his compatriot will bring organisation to a United side which has been shambolic defensively in recent top-flight fixtures.
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Discussing Rangnick in his press conference on Friday, the Reds boss said: "Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, to Manchester United! That's how it is.
"He built two clubs from nowhere to proper threats in Germany in Hoffenheim and Leipzig. His first concern is being a coach and that's his skill.
"United will be organised, we should realise that. That's obviously not good news for other teams!
"He is very well regarded among coaches in Germany. Where he has been he has done incredible jobs.
"We faced each other when I was a very young coach and he was at Hanover. He started as a young man at Stuttgart and then made his way up.
"He might have forgot that, but he called me a lot at Mainz."
Coincidentally, Klopp will face off with another of Rangnick's disciples as Liverpool host a Southampton side managed by Ralph Hasenhuttl, formerly in charge at Leipzig.
The Liverpool manager was full of praise for his counterpart's project at St Mary's and he anticipates a tricky test on Saturday.
How should Liverpool line up against Southampton on Saturday? Pick your XI below!
"Ralph is obviously organising a proper team there," he said. "They maybe expect not to have majority of possession, they start very often 4-4-2 and can change to five at the back in the game.
"They are a very well drilled team. We have to be creative to break them down."
Klopp added: "Southampton are a good team and the Premier League is so strong even if you’re good you’re not at the top."
Liverpool are third in the Premier League ahead of the Anfield encounter, while Southampton are 13th.
