Sport and politics don’t mix say some yet the two have of course been inextricably linked from the very start.

The ancient Greeks had to declare “a sacred truce” so wars would stop for the Olympic Games to take place.

The decades are ripe with cases where sport and politics have gone hand in hand, from rebel tours to South Africa to black power salutes right up to the present day and the huge national anthem schism affecting America’s NFL.

Jurgen Klopp has always been reluctant to talk about such things, generally relying on the ‘don’t ask me, I’m just a visiting German’ defence when questioners try to put him on the spot about the latest controversy aflflicting the UK.

His contribution to a fascinating new book though gives quite a revealing look at where he stands on one of the key questions affecting the UK right now - Brexit.

The Liverpool boss gives his views to writer Simon Hughes in a chapter in his latest book, On The Brink.

Crosby-based Hughes - author of previous best-selling LFC titles including Red Machine, Men in White Suits and Ring of Fire - has widened his remit for his latest, which chronicles a footballing journey through England’s north west, from clubs at the top of the game to some on a very different spectrum altogether. Although it was not always thus.

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Klopp faces the press after disappointing draw with Spartak Moscow

Klopp receives a dedicated chapter of the book and takes part in a wide-ranging discussion ranging from Brexit, to life living in Liverpool, the changing face of management and the results obsession in English football.

And he’s pretty clear about his views on Brexit and perhaps not unexpectedly, he’s not a big fan.

Klopp said: “It was last summer. I was on holiday. I woke up in the morning. The European Championships were being played in France. We had friends in the house. I walked into the kitchen and someone said, “England is out.” I thought, “Good, our boys will be back earlier for pre-season…”

"In this moment, I had forgotten that England did not have a game. It was a one second reaction. Suddenly, 'What?' I couldn’t understand.

"Of course, everyone has the right to make a decision: left or right, that’s the way it is. But is 51% really enough to make an important decision, especially when only something like 70% of the population voted? Why did the remaining 30% not vote?

"For me, it’s a misunderstanding of democracy. But, what I will say also is I’m really happy to be here at this moment of my life because I can see both sides. The way it is reported in England is different to Germany.

"I can see that the EU has not done a perfect job but I have always thought if you try to do things together you are stronger. If you do it alone, I’m not sure what happens.”

(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Interestingly a new survey published today claims that Klopp is well in tune with the Liverpool FC fanbase, the second most pro-EU supporters in the Premier League while Everton’s were the second most fervent in backing Brexit.

Klopp has found himself under pressure in recent weeks as his Liverpool side continue to dominate games but fail to win as many as they should.

That subject of performance against results is one he talks in detail about in On the Brink.

"The result in England, of course, this comes above everything. Nobody cares about how you play and instead they prefer to see the three points – a clean sheet and all that stuff. You can play really well but nobody is interested if you don’t get the result you deserve.

"You can say, ‘If we stick to this plan in a few weeks or months it will work,’ but it is harder getting that message across – getting people to believe it. Instead, it is only about the last result and the next result. Each tool and each weapon if you like is legal as long as the outcome is a positive one for you.

"That’s really different. It could happen in Germany that you are successful but because there is no plan and people don’t like your football, the board decides to sack you. I don’t think that is likely or possible here. The result excuses pretty much everything.

"That’s not good or bad, it’s only different – I must stress this. I am not complaining at all; only different.”

The Reds boss also talks about the issue of attracting players to Liverpool and says he’s never had anyone mention preferring to go to London.

"All I do know for certain is, I love being in a region where everything smells like football. I love it. I know there are much more important things in life but when you have the imagination and dreams of the fans, you have passion and hope.

"I never choose a club because of weather or something else. I choose where I go to work because of football.”

He’s still talking about the wind mind.

For loads more from Klopp, grab a copy of On the Brink which is out now.

And Simon recently popped in to chat about his new book and all things LFC with Neil Jones and Kristian Walsh. Have a listen to a cracking podcast below