Jurgen Klopp admitted it was a "strange" experience to be a hologram guest, along with Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, at a Munich press conference on Friday – while he sat in Liverpool.
3D images of Klopp and Simeone were beamed in real time to a press conference in Munich to announce their teams' involvement in August's Audi Cup – a pre-season tournament hosted by Bayern Munich.
Technology meant both Liverpool coach Klopp and Madrid boss Simeone could take part in the Bavarian capital, even though they were physically sat in Liverpool and Madrid respectively.
The ethereal pair answered questions, with their images seated next to Bayern's Carlo Ancelotti in a dimly lit press briefing.
It is believed to be football's first press conference conducted with two of the participants represented by holograms.
Joining us for the #AudiCup2017 on 1st and 2nd August... @atletienglish!
Get your tickets for the games here ➡️ https://t.co/m0MZoVF3hE pic.twitter.com/2ZHcpg1JZ1
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) May 12, 2017
"It's certainly a bit strange. I am from the generation who watched Star Trek and suddenly I'm in Munich," said a slightly bemused Klopp when asked what it was like to be beamed down to Bavaria from Liverpool.
"It's something new, but the quality seems to be good."
Simeone said he was pleased to have been able to avoid a five-hour round-trip flight to Munich from Madrid.
"It took me five minutes to get here, so I am very happy," joked the 47-year-old.
And alongside #FCBayern and @atletienglish will be Jürgen Klopp and @LFC! Looking forward to seeing you for the #AudiCup! pic.twitter.com/yngPoLmzCk
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) May 12, 2017
Ancelotti said wryly that coaches might be forced to attend more press conferences if they can be beamed by hologram to far-flung locations.
The fourth participants in the Audi Cup from August 1-2 will be announced at a future date.