Share

'The Normal One' takes over at Anfield

Liverpool - New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp described himself as "The Normal One" as he faced the media for the first time on Friday following his appointment as successor to Brendan Rodgers.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho famously described himself as "a special one" in his first press conference in English football in 2004, earning him the nickname 'The Special One'.

But Klopp, 48, told a packed room of journalists at Anfield: "I don't want to describe myself. I'm a totally normal guy. I'm the Normal One."

The former Borussia Dortmund head coach was appointed on Thursday on a three-year contract following the dismissal of Rodgers, who was sacked last Sunday after three and a half years at the club.

"I am a normal guy from the Black Forest. I don't compare myself with genius managers in this club's history," added Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final appearance.

"It's cool that you're looking for that, but it's not my part to think about that. I don't think any manager starts by saying that they want to be a legend.

"I was a very, very average player. I was at a special club in Germany with Mainz 05 and then had a great opportunity to take Dortmund for seven years. Now I'm here and I hope to enjoy my work."

In an interview with the club's in-house television channel, LFC TV, Klopp described the job as "the biggest challenge ... in the world of football".

His first game at the helm will be a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on October 17.

Liverpool won the last of their 18 league titles in 1990 under the stewardship of Kenny Dalglish.

Rodgers led them to a second-place finish in 2014, but they finished sixth last season and are currently in 10th place in the table with 12 points from eight games.

While Klopp called for patience, he has set himself the objective of winning a league title by 2019.

"It's been crazy here," he said. "But it's not so important what people think when you come in. It's important what people think when you leave. So please give us time.

"This could be a very special day, if you are patient. When I sit here in four years, I think we will win one title."

Klopp introduced a style of high-octane football during his time at Dortmund and he pledged that Liverpool would play at "full throttle".

"I believe in a playing philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong," he said. "My teams must play at full throttle and take it to the limit every single game."

He added: "Liverpool has extraordinary supporters and Anfield is a world renowned home, with an incredible atmosphere.

"I want to build a great relationship with these supporters and give them memories to cherish. I hope we can feed off each other's energy and that we take this journey together."

Klopp confirmed that his assistants at Dortmund, Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, would join him at Liverpool.

He also thanked Liverpool's American owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) for appointing him and said he was happy to work with their transfer committee, which oversees the club's recruitment strategy.

"It was absolutely no problem between FSG and myself," he said.

"We talked about this. It's nothing. If two clever, intelligent guys sit at a table and you both want the same, what can be the problem?"

Klopp's contract is reported to be worth £5 million per year, rising to £7 million with bonuses.

"In Jurgen Klopp we have appointed a world-class manager with a proven track record of winning and someone who has the personality and charisma to reignite this football club and take the team forward," said Liverpool chairman Tom Werner.

"Critically, he is also a winner and someone who can connect with and enthuse our supporters."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2241 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE