Jurgen Klopp has expressed his excitement and has vowed to instil a "very emotional, very fast and very strong" playing philosophy after being appointed as Liverpool manager.
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Klopp agreed to succeed Brendan Rodgers as Reds boss on Thursday night and will be formally unveiled at a press conference at 10am.
“I am very excited by the challenge we face and eager to start the job and begin implementing our ideas and ways of working with this team,” he told the club’s official website.
“This is a talented group of players and there is still much to compete for this season.”
Klopp, who is understood to have signed a three-year deal, will be assisted by Zeljko Buvac, his assistant at Dortmund and Mainz before that, and coach Peter Krawietz.
The 48-year-old won plaudits for implementing an attractive, attacking brand of football during his seven-year spell with Dortmund — where he won two Bundesliga titles and reached the Champions League final — and is expected to apply a similar style at Anfield.
“Winning is important but so is how you win and how you play the game,” he added.
“I believe in a playing philosophy that is very emotional, very fast and very strong. My teams must play at full throttle and take it to the limit every single game.
“It is important to have a playing philosophy that reflects your own mentality, reflects the club and gives you a clear direction to follow. Tactical of course, but tactical with a big heart.
“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.”
Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, have moved quickly to replace Rodgers, who was sacked after three-and-a-half years in charge after a 1-1 Merseyside derby draw, and chairman Tom Werner believes they have secured the services of one of the brightest managerial talents in the game.
“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,” he said.
“When an opportunity presents itself to acquire one of the most sought-after leaders in the game, it is something you have to pursue decisively and we are delighted he has accepted our invitation.
“He possesses all the qualities we are looking for in a manager — he is a strong, inspirational leader, who has a clear philosophy of high energy, attacking football. Critically, he is also a winner and someone who can connect with and enthuse our supporters.
“It is our job now to support Jurgen every step of the way and help him achieve his full potential at this great football club.
“He is enthusiastic about the squad of players and wants the team to fight to achieve success this season and beyond. His attitude is infectious and we believe it will lift the entire club.”
Klopp’s appointment immediately injects a feelgood factor into a club in need of it after they were humbled 3-0 at home by West Ham and only just scraped past Sky Bet League Two side Carlisle on penalties in the Capital One Cup.
The German takes over a Liverpool side currently 10th in the Barclays Premier League after securing just one victory in their last six league games — although they are just three points off the top four and only six behind leaders Manchester City.
Klopp will take charge of his new side for the first time away at Tottenham next Saturday and his first appearance in the Anfield dugout comes five days later when the Reds face Rubin Kazan in the Europa League.
