Klopp: I am not David Copperfied – have patience
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he is “not David Copperfield”, and that his Liverpool revival will take time.
Klopp has endured a somewhat difficult start to life in the Premier League since being appointed as Liverpool manager in October, but there have been flashes of promise from the Reds.
They were 10th at the time of Brendan Rodgers’ sacking, and three points from the top-four places, and now sit ninth 17 games later, 12 points off the pace.
But impressive victories over Manchester City (4-1), Chelsea (3-1) and Southampton (6-1) have inspired belief that Klopp is the right man, while the Reds will also face City in the Capital One Cup final later this month.
Klopp says that there were “a few easier jobs” than the Liverpool one, but that the club are slowly moving in the right direction.
“I think everyone knows there would have been a few easier jobs but I am not this kind of guy,” said Klopp. “I was always ready for the right job in the right situation where you can make a difference. To change things you need time. Liverpool is not in the most easy moment but I am not surprised. We could have had six points more, no problem. It is not too far away. That is how football is.
“A few things hadn’t worked – otherwise they would not have changed the manager – then you have an international break, injuries, re-injuries, and because of this other players are having to play. I am not David Copperfield. It is not about making things change and everything is OK. It is about work. I feel completely in the right place. I feel good, I like to work and I am still learning about everything.
“Of course I am disappointed with a few results and performances but I am positive and surprised by a few other performances. The players have shown me what is possible, sometimes for the team, sometimes for the individual.
“If it was easy, everyone could do it. That is clear. I never chose my jobs. The first job they gave me at Mainz because it was better than having me as a player! I am strong enough to handle pressure for a lot of people around me. I am not in doubt about my qualities as a manager. I know about the game and the importance of working together. That’s it.
“Nobody wants to hear this. Everyone just wants to have results. That is no problem. We are not in a perfect position but we are in a good way. I have no problem getting a few knocks and having a few beautiful moments along the way. We are preparing for the future.”