Jurgen Klopp reveals all on transfer plans, targets and his new nickname at Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has had a busy first few days on Merseyside

JURGEN KLOPP insists he will not raid his old club Borussia Dortmund after officially starting work at Liverpool.

 

Klopp arrived at Liverpool's Melwood training centre this morning to take training for the first time since replacing Brendan Rodgers as manager.

The 48-year-old impressed at his Anfield unveiling on Friday after penning his three-year contract worth a total of £21million.

Klopp has claimed he is not looking to make new signings in January and has vowed not to return to Dortmund for his former players.

Liverpool have been linked with the likes of Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic, Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus since Klopp took over.

But when asked about raiding his previous club he told German newspaper Bild: "That's not my intention at all."

Klopp has reiterated his desire to work with the squad he has inherited from predecessor Rodgers and will meet a number of his new charges today.

 

While most of his new squad are away on international duty, the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Alberto Moreno, Lucas Leiva, Kolo Toure and Jose Enrique have remained on Merseyside and will meet their new boss for the first time.

Klopp will also find the Reds' training ground brimming with crocked players, with club captain Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren, Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke all sidelined.

On Friday at the press conference to officially present him as the new Liverpool manager Klopp spoke in glowing terms of his current squad and how he felt they were capable of performing at a higher level.

 

Klopp was named as Brendan Rodgers' replacement on Friday

He spent Saturday at the club's academy watching the under-18s' victory over Stoke and was also spotted out on the town over the weekend, sharing tea in a cafe with some regulars and enjoying a drink and a smoke with his family on a night out.

And Klopp has insisted he has no interest in splashing the cash after Rodgers spent nearly £300m in three years in charge of Liverpool and will instead look to young players already on the books.

"I'm not interested in that," he added. "It's already October and I don't even know how many matches there are until winter.

Some of our regulars with #Klopp at #thequarterliverpool #lfc #liverpool pic.twitter.com/EKO2yUC4OT

— TheQuarter Liverpool (@TheQuarterLivpl) October 11, 2015

"But there are a few and so we'll be looking at our own players first."

Klopp has cautioned against expecting any noticeable dramatic improvement in his first match in charge when he takes the team to Tottenham on Saturday, mainly because of the time he has available with all his players.

However, that has not prevented expectation among fans going through the roof since he was confirmed as manager.

 

Klopp takes in some action at Liverpool's academy on Saturday

Klopp claims no targets have been imposed for him apart from to rediscover what was lost in the last 18 months under Rodgers.

"I had a long conversation with the owner (John W Henry) and the aim is simply to play football with an identity," he said.

"I have no idea why the hype is so big. Lots of German coaches have been successful but not many come here. This is a big challenge for me and my coaching team.

"Liverpool have had a period without success and changed managers a lot. Now the hope is for miracles but progress takes time."

 

Klopp charmed and entertained in his press conference, declaring himself 'The Normal One' after he was asked about Jose Mourinho's quip about being 'The Special One' when he first arrived in England.

The German refused to say whether the Chelsea manager had been in touch but insists his remark was far from pre-planned.

"No, but I haven't given any thought to such things," said Klopp, who revealed despite his good grasp of English he was taking further lessons to ensure he can get his message across to the players.

"I was asked about it and it took me off-guard. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut, but in a press conference it's pretty difficult."