Klopp is box office for Liverpool FC

Much chatter before, almost silence after; within a couple of questions, Jurgen Klopp eased, his much-scribed personality coming across clear.

He was everything he promised to be. It is hard not to impress during an introductory press conference – even Roy Hodgson gave a few soundbites before the next six months of belligerence – but Klopp was what he was sold as. This is exactly what the trailers promised. No need for the receipt just yet.

The allure of Klopp was evident. He is articulate, authoritative, honest. He is a box office appointment.

His words were spoken with the incessant clicking of the photographers. At one point, when asked a question, he looked down to the men below.

Firm, but polite, he asked them to stop the snapping when questions were being asked. His rules.

He was all smiles, of course, but there is a temper there, too.

There was also an acknowledgement of the people he must face every week. He joked he had heard about the British press before, and hoped what he heard was lies. Like most good jokes, there was an element of reality contained within.

The question was inevitable: what does Klopp want to achieve at Anfield? It’s a puzzle that has been put to, and ultimately haunted, many managers over the past 25 years. In truth, there is only one answer the fans want: the Premier League title.

Klopp, however, was unbowed. He spoke of a title within four years, but that could easily be translated as a trophy.

That aside, he made few promises. Up to seven teams can win the league, but only one can do so. Instead, he spoke about the short-term goals, rather than a long-term aim. He wants to turn Liverpool from doubters into believers; this, more than ever, is a good time for a restart.

He is realistic about what can be achieved, and when.

A lot was said of the transfer committee ahead of Klopp’s appointment. Though the German worked with others to recruit players at Borussia Dortmund, some panicked over whether Klopp would be amenable to working with this particular set-up at Anfield.

Panic over, for now. Klopp, who played a lot of tennis during his recent sabbatical, hit a forehand back down the line. He is not a genius and he needs the help, according to him. No problems, he said; not even for 10 seconds.

Despite that, expect it to be talked about a little bit longer – in the stands, if nothing else – once January comes.

Klopp is excited with what he has to work with. He spoke of potential, of five strikers, of midfielders he likes, and even a very good goalkeeper. The defence, also, received a mention.

Not that the coach would single anyone out. He made it clear, at the start of the conference, that he would not talk too much about football as he hasn’t had a chance to assess the players.

Sensible, and understandable. He found speaking to the world’s media as Liverpool manager easy. Now, the hard work begins.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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