Klopp oozes class in first media outing
"If you are patient and are prepared to work, in a special Liverpool way we can be successful. If I am sitting here in four years, we will win one title in this time." - Jurgen Klopp
Published : Oct 09, 2015 16:17 IST
He walked in with a big smile on his face and left having charmed his way into the hearts of most of those present. Jurgen Klopp’s first press conference as manager of Liverpool Football Club seems to have gone almost exactly as people had thought it would. The big German, wearing a sharp black suit and his trademark glasses, spoke about pretty much everything from the club’s illustrious past to it’s current plight, including some inputs on Liverpool’s infamous ‘transfer committee’.
“It is the biggest honour I can imagine,” said a beaming Klopp. “It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have an opportunity to try and help in a situation that is not so difficult as some of the people in this room feel. It is a good moment to come here. I am proud. The intensity of the football and how the people live football in Liverpool... It is not a normal club. It is a special club.”
He acknowledged that the Premier League was one of the most competitive around but is hopeful he can lead the Reds to the title in the next four years.
“The Premier League is one of the most difficult leagues in the world”, he said. “Only one can be the champion but five, six or seven clubs could be. We have to develop. I ask, please give us time. If you are patient and are prepared to work, in a special Liverpool way we can be successful. If I am sitting here in four years, we will win one title in this time.”
A lot has been said about Liverpool’s transfer structure and whether Klopp would have issues working within the existing framework. But the former Dortmund manager brushed off these speculations.
“This is a crazy discussion. It is not a problem. We have talked about it. I am not an idiot. All we want to discuss is very good players.” He added, “I need other people to get the perfect information. When we have this we sign or sell a player. But it is very easy to handle.”
On being told that Jose Mourinho had called himself ‘The Special One’ when he joined Chelsea the first time around, Klopp preferred a different title.
“I don't want to describe myself,” he said. “I am a totally normal guy. I am the normal one maybe? I had a great opportunity to take Dortmund for seven years. And now I am here. I want to enjoy my work.”
Klopp’s passion for the beautiful game is shared by the Anfield faithful and it looks like it won’t be long before he gets the Kop bouncing again.