Klopp inspiring Academy youngsters already
Jürgen Klopp immediately inspired Liverpool's youngsters when he visited the Kirkby Academy on Saturday morning to see the U18s claim a 1-0 victory over Stoke City.
Fewer than 48 hours had passed since the German took the managerial reins at the Reds before he was casting an eye over Neil Critchley’s charges.
They impressed en route to a win too, with Ovie Ejaria notching the decisive goal of the contest in the first half as Klopp assessed proceedings from the side.
“Everyone was buzzing,” the scorer told Liverpoolfc.com of the manager’s presence.
“Obviously first impressions are important and it was a great feeling to be able to play in front of him already.”
The result extended the U18s’ unbeaten run to five games and simultaneously made it three successive victories for Critchley’s team.
Progress to training at Melwood is the overall aim, of course, and Corey Whelan echoed Ejaria’s appreciation for an instant opportunity to play in front of the first-team boss.
He said: “It’s exciting because he’s new in and everyone is trying to make a first impression on him and trying to get our way up to Melwood. Knowing that he was watching us was a great feeling.”
Get closer to Klopp with exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage from the manager's opening days at Liverpool on LFCTV and LFCTV GO: liverpoolfc.com/watch