RB Leipzig prepares to face Liverpool amidst Jurgen Klopp's presence.

Although the 57-year-old will not be physically present at the Red Bull Arena on Oct 23, his influence and legacy will still be felt in the contest. Klopp officially resigned as Liverpool manager during the summer, after an illustrious nine-year tenure that saw him lead the team to victory in prestigious tournaments such as the Champions League and English Premier League. Despite his absence, Klopp's shadow continues to loom large over the match.

In October, Klopp announced his return to football, not as a coach but running Red Bull’s football operations, which oversees clubs in several cities including Leipzig, Salzburg and New York. He will be absent from the game, choosing to wait to attend a match after starting the role in January.

While the appointment was a surprise in Germany and in England, the focus on Leipzig has been particularly acute. Klopp was again a topic of conversation after Leipzig’s 2-0 win at Mainz on Oct 19, by fans and media alike.

Some fans held banners protesting the appointment, while reporters asked if Leipzig coach Marco Rose had asked Klopp for tips on how to beat the Reds on Oct 23.

Rose played under Klopp for several years at Mainz and the two maintain a good relationship.

He said he would “not be phoning up” his former coach for tips on how to beat Liverpool.

“Kloppo is in (Spanish island) Mallorca, looking after his dog, his wife and his children,” said Rose.

“I will do everything (to beat Liverpool) but I won’t call Klopp. He needs his peace and quiet and needs to rest a bit. And I’ll grant him that.”

Born and raised in Leipzig, Rose took the ambitious club to the 2023 German Cup title in his first season.

The 48-year-old followed it up with a run to the Champions League last 16, where Leipzig were narrowly eliminated by eventual champions Real Madrid.

This season, Leipzig have managed to hold onto most of their young talent, giving rise to hopes of a shot at the league title and a long run in Europe.

Although Leipzig are second to Bayern Munich on goal difference in the Bundesliga, the Champions League is another story, albeit with a tough draw. Leipzig conceded late goals to lose away at Atletico Madrid and at home against Juventus.

The Saxon side have yet to claim a point in Europe this season, making the clash with the Premier League leaders even more important.