adminNORMAL was not the word that came to mind after half an hour in the presence of Jurgen Klopp.
Deep in the bowels of Anfield’s Centenary Stand, a room heaving with the world’s media had been utterly captivated, charmed by Liverpool’s charismatic new manager.
Outside the stadium gates, crowds of fans craned their necks for a glimpse. “Where is he?” “What’s he doing now?” “What did he say?,” they asked.
Some held children, others scarves, red shirts and flags – this was love at first sight.
An hour or so earlier Klopp had walked into the room, sporting turned-up jeans and a smile that barely left his face throughout this opening news conference. He began by apologising for his English. By the time this performance had drawn to a close, he had delivered insights into football and life, recalled his childhood, discussed tactics and players, and delivered it all with an honesty, originality and charm that is all too rare.
He turned the tables on his inquisitors with questions of his own, joking with the British press about their fearsome reputation, but the theme throughout was that all of this fuss, all of this fanfare, was not really about him.
“I am not a genius,” he said. “I am just a normal guy from the Black Forest, I would not dream of comparing myself to the geniuses who have managed this great football club in the past. It is not who I am.”
Liverpool’s co-owner Tom Werner watched on from the front row of the press benches, taking it all in like a child at the cinema. Chief executive Ian Ayre wore a similar look of delight. Klopp demonstrated an understanding of the city, delivered lines that instantly chimed with the fans and accepted the expectation that had been placed upon his shoulders.
“It’s the biggest honour I can imagine, one of the biggest clubs in the world,” he said. “It’s not a normal, usual club, it’s a special club. Of course it is surreal. I have to accept it. I woke up this morning and I was manager of Liverpool FC. But I am prepared.”
The German’s feet have barely touched the ground since he arrived by private jet on Wednesday. The photographers were waiting as he sped into the back entrance of Liverpool’s Hope Street Hotel.
His first night was spent there dining with senior members of Fenway Sports Club, including Werner, as well as Liverpool top brass. News of Klopp’s whereabouts spread quickly on Thursday night. Crowds of fans and photographers gathered outside. At one stage a Klopp look-a-like walked through the hotel bar and out towards a waiting car. – BBC Sport.
Online Reporter