Bellamy: It's great to have Klopp as our manager
Craig Bellamy is certain that Liverpool have a very exciting future ahead of them under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp.
Since the German took the helm at Anfield in early October, he has helped the club qualify for the last 32 of the Europa League, reach the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, and move within just four points off the Champions League qualification berths.
And Bellamy, who made 79 appearances and scored 18 goals during two spells at his boyhood team, is an undoubted admirer of the job Klopp has done thus far.
“We were all desperate to see Jürgen come over to the Premier League and, being a Liverpool fan, it is great for us,” Bellamy told Liverpoolfc.com.
“When you look at what he did at Mainz he must have learnt so much there and then he got a great job at Dortmund.
“What he did there was brilliant and the style he played against a good Bayern Munich team, the intensity in their play, their possession - he did an incredible job.
“If he can do half of that or even three quarters of that at Liverpool, it will be a great period for the club.
“Did we expect it to happen overnight as soon as it has? Probably not, but the way he deals with the press, the supporters, you can’t help but take to him.
“You just feel grateful and thankful he is at Liverpool Football Club.”
Bellamy has also welcomed the return of Daniel Sturridge after he again showcased his world class finishing ability with a brace during the midweek 6-1 rout at Southampton.
The Welshman has always been a fan of Sturridge's talents, going back to the days when he remembers him as an up-and-coming young striker at Manchester City.
He added: “Daniel is in the top bracket for me. He is hugely key.
“You look at his goalscoring record and it’s brilliant.
“I remember him when I went to Manchester City and even at a young age I thought he was an outstanding player.
“He impressed me straight away with his mentality - he wanted to be the best he could be and always wanted to improve.
“He really progressed when he went to Bolton and was outstanding there.
“He is a real top-class player and with Daniel in your team, you are much better for it.”