Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of Jurgen Klopp on a three year deal.
The German will attend his first press conference as Liverpool manager, after replacing Brendan Rodgers.
A message from Jürgen Klopp to #LFC fans. Watch the new boss’ first interview now: http://t.co/0YnXR3e2lp #KloppLFC https://t.co/gN2UZtODXi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 9, 2015
Liverpool have made Klopp the third highest paid manager in the Premier League as the German signed a three year contract with the Reds, worth in the region of 7 million pounds per season.
Liverpool owners FSG, wanted to hire the German manager when they took over at Anfield, but the Dortmund manager was keen to continue his legacy in Borussia.
Five years on, Liverpool’s American owners, FSG have finally got their man.
Jurgen Klopp was introduced to the Liverpool staff in a welcome dinner at his hope street hotel last night and has already informed the Liverpool owners about his first two additions to the club – Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz.
Both have been an integral part of Klopp’s management team at Borussia and helped him win several trophies in Germany.
Buvac, who is a long term assistant for Klopp also worked with him at Mainz and Dortmund. The duo played together for Mainz as well.
Buvac is often referred to as the ‘twin’ of Klopp and is highly regarded for his tactical knowledge. Klopp is also set to add Peter Krawietz to his team at Liverpool as well.
Krawietz is a video analyst and scout, who helps study the opposition and is responsible for finding the best ways to nullify them.
#KloppLFC on Anfield: “I want to see it, I want to feel it, I want to smell it.” pic.twitter.com/NpvlcuMlvT — LFC TV (@LFCTV) October 9, 2015
FSG are believed to be on board with Klopp’s demands and have already announced the departures of Gary McAllister and Sean O’Driscoll, in order to free up space for Klopp’s preferred wing-men.
Speaking on behalf of Liverpool’s ownership, chairman Tom Werner said: “In Jürgen Klopp we have appointed a world-class manager with a proven track record of winning and someone who has the personality and charisma to reignite this football club and take the team forward.
“When an opportunity presents itself to acquire one of the most sought-after leaders in the game, it is something you have to pursue decisively and we are delighted he has accepted our invitation.
“He possesses all the qualities we are looking for in a manager – he is a strong, inspirational leader, who has a clear philosophy of high energy, attacking football. Critically, he is also a winner and someone who can connect with and enthuse our supporters.
“It is our job now to support Jürgen every step of the way and help him achieve his full potential at this great football club.
“He is enthusiastic about the squad of players and wants the team to fight to achieve success this season and beyond. His attitude is infectious and we believe it will lift the entire club.”
Klopp will now meet with the Liverpool players after the international break, and put together his first training session next week.
The German will take charge of his first Premier League game, away to White Hart Lane, against Tottenham Hotspurs.
Live updates from Jurgen Klopp’s first press conference as Liverpool manager. (Source: Liverpool Echo)
Klopp: “I believe in a philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong. My teams must play at full throttle.”
“I am very excited by the challenge we face and eager to start the job.”
Klopp said: “Firstly, I would like to offer thanks to the ownership of Liverpool Football Club for showing faith in me and my staff and presenting us with this wonderful opportunity. They have presented to me a very clear vision and I share their ambitions and model of work.
“I am very excited by the challenge we face and eager to start the job and begin implementing our ideas and ways of working with this team. This is a talented group of players and there is still much to compete for this season.
“Winning is important but so is how you win and how you play the game. I believe in a playing philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong. My teams must play at full throttle and take it to the limit every single game.
“It is important to have a playing philosophy that reflects your own mentality, reflects the club and gives you a clear direction to follow. Tactical of course, but tactical with a big heart.
“Liverpool has extraordinary supporters and Anfield is a world renowned home, with an incredible atmosphere. I want to build a great relationship with these supporters and give them memories to cherish. I hope we can feed off each other’s energy and that we take this journey together.”
“Great! I have no other words. Today was a crazy day with what happened here when we landed. It’s a great feeling and a big honour.
“One of the best moments of my life. It feels like a dream.”
“Everything. I love football and the intensity of football in Liverpool is good for me. I always thought about working in England and Liverpool was first choice. It’s the best thing I can imagine.”
“It’s really cool. I have tried to relax and felt like I’m not this only football guy. I’ve had meetings with many people. Then I felt if someone interesting calls me I’ll prepare. And that’s what I did.
“Now I’m really relaxed, it was an important decision. (I had) seven cool years at Dortmund and now I want to do something new.”
“My English is not good enough to express this!
“I want to see it, feel it, smell it. It’s a great place, this is the most special place I’ve been. This is the most historical place.”
“I understand football. If the people are not interested in football you can put some sticks in the park and play. It’s the perfect game.
“It’s our job to help supporters forget their problems for 90 minutes” pic.twitter.com/9I1R7cv8sU
— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) October 9, 2015
“We have to entertain them, we have to make their life better. We are not saving lives, we are not doctors.
“It’s our job to make them forget their problems for 90 minutes. That’s how I would want to live if I wasn’t manager.
“I try to be as close as possible to the fans.”
On his transition into English football
“Of course I will adapt, but I don’t think about this because I know English football. But it’s not so important at this moment because it is football.
“My experience is to listen, see, feel and then think about what to change.
“I’ve been in football for a long time, I don’t want to make it too complicated. It’s very important that the player can understand easily what you want.”
“It’s the biggest challenge in world football. But I was never the guy for the easy way.
“It’s not so bad, 12 points, when I read the newspapers it’s a disaster but it’s only six points to another position but nobody is satisfied. So we have to think about what we can change.
On the team
“I know what I want, I have to talk to the players and find a common way.”
“It’s not such a bad thing to be a good friend of mine because I’m really loyal.”
“I’m here because I believe the potential of the team. I see the team and think everything is good.
“At this moment we’re not the best team in the world, but who cares? We want to be the best team in the world. We have some problems and we have to solve them.
“We have speed and technical ability. The first game is Tottenham and we have to make a team for this game. I’m not a dreamer, I don’t want Cristiano Ronaldo, I want these guys. “Now we start work.”
What style of play can Liverpool fans expect? Klopp: ‘A wild one’!
“You have to have a stable defence. That is the first thing, always.
“Our position is ok so we can start our development. If it’s possible let’s try to be the hardest team to beat in the world.”
“Expectations can be a really big problem, it’s like a backpack with 20 kilos more.”
“I’m not here to promise that you will see the new LFC against Tottenham.
“But if you see a little bit of the new LFC, that would be cool!”
On the transfer strategy
“It’s a really funny thing, it’s absolutely no problem between FSG and myself.
“We have talked about this, it’s nothing. If two intelligent people have a conversation and want the same thing it’s fine.
“I don’t want to spend money the club haven’t got. Nobody will sell a player I want to work with, and buy a player without my yes.”
On coaching staff
“My two brothers from Mainz. They are football maniacs.
“I need very good people around me. I look forward to seeing the rest of the staff from LFC.”
On success
“The only thing I know, there’s Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham and they want to be successful.
“It’s not important what I think at the moment.
“The LFC family is too nervous, too pessimistic, too many doubts. But they don’t believe in this moment. History is great, but it’s only to remember. Now we have a possibility to write a new story.”
After his interview with LFCTV, Klopp headed over to Anfield for his first press conference with the UK and international media.
Klopp stressed on the importance of patience and promised to deliver a title within four years. Furthermore, the new Liverpool manager also had a slight dig at Jose Mourinho. When asked about Mourinho being the ‘special one’, Klopp responded with – ‘I am the normal one’.
‘The Normal One’ http://t.co/1Dj5yj3oMh — Liverpool FC Vines (@LFC_Vines) October 9, 2015
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