Anything but normal: Klopp makes special impression
The former Borussia Dortmund coach gave a captivating performance at his unveiling and if the early indications are anything to go by, he will be a huge hit at Anfield.
At 8.30am, the Reds Lounge in Anfield’s Centenary Stand was already swarming. Every section packed, every plug point taken, every attendee eager to assess whether the perception and reality aligned.
Jürgen Klopp insisted he was The Normal One at his first press conference as Liverpool manager, but the evidence suggested otherwise.
He had the media pack completely affixed to his every answer. Energetic and unscripted, he approached each question with ease and intelligence in equal measure. Even the supposedly ‘tough’ ones couldn’t stand up to him.
Klopp laughed at the “really crazy discussion” around the transfer committee and wouldn’t succumb to the weight of expectation. Money? Four clubs with better resources? He’s not worried about that, he’s worried about the football.
Tied down by the glorious history? Klopp’s not going to carry that around like a heavy backpack. It's about the present. Concerned about the quality of the team? Not a chance. He thinks it’s got everything needed to work well. A quarter of a century without the title? He reckons he’ll deliver at least one within four years.
The last time Anfield had an audience, boos filled the stadium as Liverpool failed to beat Sion in the Europa League. On Friday, it was the German’s guffaw that trumpeted around the ground. Klopp was correct in his assertion that doubt and pessimism has plagued the club’s fanbase. But that was before it became obvious he’d be the new man in the dugout.
On Thursday, his movements from outside his house to Mainz to the inside of his hotel on Hope Street were frantically followed. Even Klopp’s flight on a private plane from Dortmund to John Lennon Airport was tracked, with updates regularly posted on Twitter. The euphoria has been building to a crescendo.
Supporters see the reconstruction of the Main Stand and they now envisage a restoration of Liverpool’s fortunes too. The first step to winning is having an unswerving belief that you can, and Klopp has that packed into every inch of his six foot four frame.
The 48-year-old is exactly what Liverpool need right now - a hypnotic leader who is all about the football. All about emotional football. All about entertaining football. All about getting the best out of footballers.
No politics. No pretence. No punches. The fight will be saved for the pitch.
He knows his real work hasn’t started yet. But that’s all he craves - the training sessions, the matches, the atmosphere. The shame is that there is still a wait of over a week to endure before Anfield can truly welcome its new manager.
October 17 and the visit of Tottenham cannot come soon enough.
Klopp insisted "it’s not important what people think when you come in, but what they think when you leave."
If he’s started as he means to go on, The Normal One will long be loved in these parts.
Source: Goal.com
This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.