Liverpool Football Club have announced that 48-year-old Jurgen Klopp will become their next manager. The Premier League club officially announced the news to the waiting press at a news conference this morning. Klopp has been handed a three-year contract and is believed to be on a basic salary of £5 million per year.The German replaces Brendan Rodgers who was sacked last weekend after the Merseyside derby ended in a stalemate at Goodison Park.
Impressive record in Germany
As the former Borussia Dortmund manager he guided his old club to two Bundesliga titles in seven years, but has been out of work since resigning from his post in May.
His achievements at Dortmund were no mean feat given the juggernaut of Bayern Munich that formed their main domestic opposition each year. He also took them to a Champions League final in 2013 and is renowned as being an energetic and dedicated manager.
Enthusiastic approach
Will he be ableto utilisehis enthusiasm and inspirational speechesto re-invigorate the fortunesfor Liverpool Football Club? The red half of the city certainly hope so after becoming disillusioned with Rodgers' approach over the last season. The departure of Luis Suarez and the likely step backwards after Barcelona came calling could only offer Rodgers a respite for so long. His time ran out, can Klopp be the saviour for the five-time winners of Europe's elite competition?
Backing from Germany
Klopp's move to England has been backed by the likes of the coach of Germany Joachim Low and the national captain Mats Hummels in recent days. There has even been speculation that Hummels may be a potential target for the Reds in the future as they attempt to shore up their shaky defence. The goals against column has been mentioned by many as the prime reason for their failure to capture the Premier League title in 2014.
He would certainly provide some steel in that respect should a move for his talents become possible.
With vast sums having already been spent by the Fenway Sports Group in recent seasons though, Klopp may have to work within the current remit before additional funds to allow a strengthening of the squad is on the cards.
Bold appointment
Klopp's appointment seems like a bold move but perhaps the only choice left to move the club forward.
With the international break providing a respite and a chance to re-assess the situation, Liverpool are still just 3 points off the Champions League places and a tantalising 6 points off the top spot itself.
Fans will hope that Klopp's arrival beckons in a charge for honours this season on all fronts, although more realistically he will need time to assess the situation before moving the sleeping giants forward again.
