Read highlights from Klopp's unveiling at Liverpool
Friday, October 9, 2015
Article summary
Jürgen Klopp says it is "the perfect moment" to become Liverpool manager as he discussed holidays, expectation at Anfield, his aims and why he is the "normal one".
Article top media content
Article body
On his appointment ...
For a few days I have known I would be back in the race and it is the biggest honour I can imagine to be here, one of the biggest clubs in the world. I have been given the opportunity to try and help in a situation that is not as difficult as people feel. It is not perfect, of course, but I feel it is a good moment to come here and I feel really proud.
On why he took the Liverpool job ...
The intensity of the football. How the people live for football in Liverpool, Liverpool fans all over the world. It is not a normal club, it is a special club. I had two special clubs with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund and this is the perfect next step to be here now and to try to help.
On managing in the Premier League ...
The Premier League is one of the most difficult leagues in the world. Five, six or seven teams could be champion but only one can be and the others are disappointed and live in a disaster.
This is good moment to restart. It is not important who wins the Premier League at the end of the season but only important we play our own game and the players feel the confidence and the trust of the people. The players must feel the difference from now and feel they can reach the expectations of everybody: the fans and the media. You have to change doubters to believers.
On working with Liverpool's 'transfer committee' ...
I am not an idiot. For me it is enough I have the first and last word and in the middle we can discuss everything. We only want to discuss good players, at the highest level. I am not a genius, I don't know more than the rest of the world, I don't have perfect information. It is really easy to handle.
On the pressure at Liverpool ...
I know all the history and Anfield is one of the best places in the football world. It seems that I am a really lucky guy. I am really looking forward to the first training session and the first match. I am prepared, I am relaxed, I had four months' holiday, everything is perfect and I am in the best shape.
On Liverpool's wait for a league title since 1990 ...
Twenty-five years is a long time. Everyone has tried to improve and take the next title. But history is only the base for us but you don't take the history in your backpack and carry it all day. I want to see the first step next week but don't always compare with other times. This is a great club with a great team and big potential. Everything is there. Let's try to start a new way and this is the perfect moment to start.
Are you a special one, like José Mourinho said when he came to England?
I am a totally normal guy, I come from the Black Forest, my mother might be watching this on the TV. If you want, I am the normal one!
On his break since leaving Dortmund ...
I had a normal holiday. I am 48. Most of my life I had no money to take a holiday and then I had no time. I had four months, it was really cool, I was with my family, I played tennis, I watched football all over the world. I thought I would have more time but now I am here, I am really relaxed.
When I left Dortmund I said I would see what happens and if someone called my I felt it would fit I would talk, and that's what I did. Everyone knows what cool guys they are in Liverpool. We had a good meeting and after that it was clear: stop taking holiday, start to work.