Lucas reveals Jürgen Klopp's impact so far
It is Jürgen Klopp's passionate approach that has most quickly struck Lucas Leiva during the new Liverpool manager's opening training sessions at Melwood this week.
Following the positive impact of the German’s appointment as Reds boss last Thursday and his uplifting inaugural words to the media the following day, the serious work he was hired for is now well underway.
Overseeing those first-teamers not on international duty or injured, the former Borussia Dortmund coach and two-time Bundesliga title winner has started preparations for Saturday’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
‘We have to change from doubter to believer – now,’ was the 48-year-old’s message to supporters after becoming the 20th different man to take charge at Anfield, and it’s a mindset he has instantly sought to instil in his squad too.
Lucas is encouraged by what he has witnessed in West Derby so far and outlined why the onus is now on the players to soak up and emulate the manager’s attitude and instructions.
The midfielder told Liverpoolfc.com: “So far, so good. Monday was our first day on the grass with the new manager in charge. It has been very positive.
“There is a lot of information and as players we need to listen a lot now, and learn and try to put everything he asks us to do onto the pitch and off the pitch as well. It has been very good, very positive and hopefully it will keep going like that.
“He seems to be very passionate – he likes to put in everything that he has and he asks the players for the same. Be very intense, be aggressive with yourself, is what he has been saying.
“Always try to be better, always give 10 metres more, because that will be the key to success. That is what he has been saying to us in the last couple of days.
“He seems to be a very open manager and someone that likes to be close to the players, but very straight as well. That’s what I’ve learned from the last couple of days and I think it was a positive way to start.”
Klopp arrived on Merseyside with an immense pedigree, having transformed Dortmund into one of the most captivating sides of the continent across seven thrilling years with the Black and Yellows.
There he preached a high-energy, ceaseless pressing philosophy that brought the best out of a group of players who put every aspect of his system into practice to lift the championship twice.
They also reached a Champions League final along the way, ensuring Klopp’s reputation had earned a position among the elite by the time he took a sabbatical earlier in 2015.
His record is cause for inspiration, according to Lucas.
“He was so successful at his last club, Borussia Dortmund,” said the Brazilian. “Of course, when a manager like him comes it always gives you a lot of hope.
“It’s a fresh start for every player. His CV is amazing. So I think everyone is really excited to learn with him and improve as a player and a team, because that’s the only way we will achieve what we want.
“I watch a lot of football, of course. The year they arrived in the Champions League final, I remember their games, especially against Manchester City in Manchester, where they were fantastic.
“We played against Dortmund when he was in charge as well. I watch a lot of football, so I know a little bit about what he wants the players to do.
“But, of course, working with him closely now will be even better. Hopefully, I’ll improve as a player. Everyone is looking forward to learning.
“If we have the same success that Dortmund had when he was there, everyone will be happy. That’s why we’re really positive about it.
“It’s still early days; we have to listen a lot and try to pick up all of the information that he gives us as soon as possible. Then we’ll be able to put onto the pitch what he wants.”
Klopp takes over a team with 12 points from their first eight Barclays Premier League fixtures.
A 1-1 draw in the Merseyside derby with Everton before the international break and his appointment left Liverpool in 10th place in the table, though within one victory of the top four.
And Lucas sees no reason why the Reds cannot capitalise on their new leader’s wisdom to begin climbing the division, especially with so much football still to play.
He added: “If you look at our position in the table, it’s not great. But we are not many points behind the top four and even the top. We still have the cups and the Europa League.
“It’s still early days in the season and we have a lot to play for. Hopefully, we’ll start very well under him and at the end of the season it’ll be a successful season for us.
“It’s a fresh start for everyone. Everyone is starting from zero really and everyone will have to prove that you deserve to be here and play for him.
“He said to us that he’s here because he believes in the team and the club, of course.
“We just have to make sure that we get all the information and try to adapt as soon as possible because as soon as we start to put together everything that he says, we have a better chance to succeed.”