Rival clubs beware: Klopp promises ‘full throttle’ football at Liverpool

One of the most coveted managers in world football, Klopp won two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund

LONDON: Liverpool’s new manager Jurgen Klopp promised to bring “full throttle” football with a “big heart” to Anfield in his first comments since the German was unveiled as the Merseyside’s club new manager on Thursday night.

The club’s American owners, Fenway Sports Group, signed the former Borussia Dortmund manager on what is reported to be a three-year contract after sacking Northern Irishman Brendan Rodgers on Sunday.

One of the most coveted managers in world football, Klopp has been out of work since May when he finished a seven-year reign at Dortmund to take a sabbatical.

“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,” Klopp told the club’s website on Friday. “They have presented a very clear vision to me and I share their ambitions and model of work.”

The German, who won two Bundesliga titles with Dortmund, hinted at the kind of style that can now be expected of Liverpool. “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,” he said. “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.”

Klopp has been joined at Liverpool by Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, his former assistants at Dortmund, and the 48-year-old took time to praise both the players at his disposal and Liverpool’s famous supporters.

British media reports put the value of Klopp’s contract at £7 million per year after bonuses. For that he said they are getting “a totally normal guy” after being invited to emulate Jose Mourinho’s claim of being ‘The Special One’, putting the spotlight on the club instead. “It’s not a normal club, it’s a special club. I’m the normal one,” he said.

Klopp’s signing will instantly reinvigorate Liverpool’s fan and uplift the atmosphere at Anfield and the club are understandably excited to have him on board.

“In 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,” said Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2015.

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