Klopp: We have to make fans’ lives better

Matt Stead

Jurgen Klopp said all the right things in his first interview since taking over as Liverpool manager.

Klopp was appointed on a three-year deal on Thursday and, in his first interview since taking the Liverpool job, said pretty much all the right things.

Asked by LFC.TV how it feels to be Liverpool manager, the German replied: “Great! I have no other words. Today was a crazy day with what happened here when we landed. It’s a great feeling and a big honour.

“It’s one of the best moments of my life. It feels like a dream.”

Klopp cut short a planned 12-month sabbatical after leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer to take over at Anfield, and said that while he enjoyed the time off, he was eager to get back to work.

“Four months off was enough. It was cool, but it was enough.

“It’s really cool. I have tried to relax and felt like I’m not only this football guy. I’ve had meetings with many people. Then I felt if someone interesting calls me I’ll prepare. And that’s what I did.

“Now I’m really relaxed, it was an important decision. (I had) seven cool years at Dortmund and now I want to do something new.”

When asked on his thoughts on Anfield, Klopp simply replied: “My English is not good enough to describe this.

“I want to see it, feel it, smell it. It’s a great place, this is the most special place I’ve been. This is the most historical place.”

“I love football and the intensity of football in Liverpool is good for me. I always thought about working in England and Liverpool was first choice. It’s the best thing I can imagine.

“I understand football. If the people are not interested in football you can put some sticks in the park and play. It’s the perfect game.

“We have to entertain them, we have to make their life better. We are not saving lives, we are not doctors.

“It’s our job to make them forget their problems for 90 minutes. That’s how I would want to live if I wasn’t manager.

“I try to be as close as possible to the fans.”

The German is tasked with revitalising the fortunes of the club after Brendan Rodgers’ ill-fated spell, but Klopp was eager to point out the Reds are only three points away from the top four.

“It’s the biggest challenge in world football. But I was never the guy for the easy way.

“It’s not so bad, 12 points, when I read the newspapers it’s a disaster but it’s only six points to another position but nobody is satisfied. So we have to think about what we can change.

“I know what I want, I have to talk to the players and find a common way.

“Of course I will adapt, but I don’t think about this because I know English football. But it’s not so important at this moment because it is football.

“My experience is to listen, see, feel and then think about what to change.

“I’ve been in football for a long time, I don’t want to make it too complicated. It’s very important that the player can understand easily what you want.”

Klopp was then asked on his philosophy and style of play, to which he replied: “I believe in a philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong. My teams must play at full throttle.

“I am very excited by the challenge we face and eager to start the job.”

We’ll finish with the most beautiful line from Klopp: “We have to change from doubters to believers.”