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Oxlade-Chamberlain: Klopp a motivator

Cape Town - New signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain believes Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp can take his game to the next level, after years of stagnation at Arsenal.

The Southampton academy graduate arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2011 as one of England's most promising youths, but never established himself as a regular starter for Arsene Wenger's side.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was sold to the Reds on transfer deadline day after entering the final year of his contract, having refused to sign an extension with the Gunners.

The England international linked up with his new team-mates at Melwood for the first time on Wednesday, and revealed his reasons for coming to famed Anfield - Klopp being chief amongst them.

"Even as a neutral watching him last season, you (could see) he's a really interesting character and someone that seems very inspiring for people that aren't even involved in the club," the 24-year-old said in his first interview on the club's official website.

"Watching him, (you see) his passion and how much he cares about the game. The thing that stood out for me was his relationship with the players, how close he seems to bond with the players on and off the field.

"That's massive and it's definitely a big plus when you're looking to progress, having that relationship with the manager, that definitely helps.

"And then obviously the way his teams play, that's definitely inspirational for me and was one of the instrumental [reasons] - if not the main reason - that I felt this place was definitely the place for me.

"Even when he was at Borussia Dortmund, you see these things from the outside when you look at managers and the way they work.

"He's definitely a manager that's very animated on the side and you sort of feel like you get to know him without even knowing him when you listen to him in his press conferences - and then the insights I've had from the boys on him.

"First of all, what he's achieved, you respect that straight away and how much he knows about the game, and then all his extra attributes - his relationships with the players and how he pushes you, encourages you and what he demands from you - that's like a bonus. That's what makes him special in my eyes."

Asked if he saw himself improving under Klopp, Oxlade-Chamberlain replied: "Yeah, definitely. That's one of the reasons why I felt like he was the man I'd want to come and play for because I feel like he could really push me and hopefully get the best out of me and take me to the next level."

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