Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva reveals new manager's 'intense' training sessions
The Brazilian midfielder is impressed with what he has seen so far from the new Anfield boss
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed details of Jurgen Klopp's first training sessions as manager of the club.
The former Borussia Dortmund coach is renowned for his high-energy, high-intensity 'gegenpressing' style of play which demands players attempt to win the ball back as soon as it is lost.
During his first meetings with the media last week, Klopp promised that Liverpool supporters would see "full-throttle football" under his stewardship at Anfield and that his team would "conquer the ball each f***ing time."
According to Lucas, the new manager's initial sessions at Melwood have been geared towards achieving this demanding style of play as soon as possible.
“So far, so good," the Brazilian midfielder told the club’s website. "Monday was our first day on the grass with the new manager in charge. It has been very positive.
Always try to be better, always give 10 metres more, because that will be the key to success.
“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."
Lucas, who became the club's longest-serving player following the departure of Steven Gerrard last summer, is impressed with what he has seen so far from his new boss and says that Klopp's arrival has brought a new hope for the rest of the season.
“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.
“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."
The 28-year-old midfielder is thought of as one player who could lose out, from Klopp's arrival, particularly to more industrious midfielders who can cope with such a challenging style.
However, Lucas reiterated that the appointment represents a clean slate and a chance to impress for every player at the club.
“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.
“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.”
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