Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he admires how Jose Mourinho has bounced back from the disappointing end of his spell at Manchester United to impress again in charge of Tottenham.
There was some suggestions that the Portuguese manager was a busted flush when he was sacked by United in 2018.
But after returning to Premier League management with Spurs he and his team now sit at the top of the table ahead of their crucial clash against Klopp's Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.
And speaking ahead of the clash, the German heaped praise upon his rival coach and his side.
"He (Mourinho) showed obviously he can come back, if it was that," Klopp said. "It is very impressive what he has done at Spurs.
"The way they play this year is really good. He turned them into a results-machine.
"Performances, even if they are not at their best, they still win and defend collectively. It's impressive."
"If we keep Harry Kane and Son Heung-min quiet, they have a lot of others.
"They are a proper team with threats. Steven Bergwijn is important to counters. Tanguy Ndombele needed a bit longer but now 100% there.
"Giovani Lo Celso, Moussa Sissoko, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, a proper unit in midfield. It works well."
Despite their lofty position in the table some have been critical of Spurs' tactical approach, accusing them of being too defensive and relying on counter-attacking football.
But Klopp dismissed these claims, adding: "Spurs play real football. Kane drops (deep) in a way Roberto Firmino has done.
"Quick wingers are difficult [to defend]. A very offensive midfielder in Ndombele then very strong midfielders behind.
"That is football. You cannot be top with just counter-attacks."
Klopp has a favourable head-to-head record over Mourinho, having won five of the 11 games he has played against him, with four draws and just two defeats.
