Robert Lewandowski Comments on Jurgen Klopp's Move to Liverpool

Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski has backed his former manager Jurgen Klopp to be a resounding success in his new role as Liverpool manager.

The two worked together to devastating effect at Borussia Dortmund, with Klopp turning Lewandowski into one of the best strikers on the planet and the Polish international scoring the goals to push the German side to two Bundesliga titles.

Speaking with Christoph Koeckeis of Goal, the 27-year-old has claimed the new Reds man will have similar success on Merseyside:

"

Kloppo fits perfectly with the Premier League. At Liverpool he can make a difference with his positive thinking and sweep the players along with him.

They will play really well and they will win. I can only wish him the best of luck. I don't know the team that well, but Kloppo definitely knows what to do and how to make them win as a team. This is the optimal club for him—and league also!

"

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The German has definitely raised expectations at Anfield. Before he took over, Liverpool had sagged into a melancholic state under Klopp’s predecessor, Brendan Rodgers.

As the new coach gears up for his first game in charge of the club, on Saturday against Tottenham Hotspur, there is an excitement back in the fanbase again.

Although it will take time for Klopp to fully implement his bespoke principles, Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe took a look at what the Reds should expect him to change immediately:

Much of the excitement surrounding Klopp has been triggered by his unveiling press conference, bewitching the media with his nonchalant charisma.

“I heard that he put on a show at the press conference—this is Klopp,” said Lewandowski. “He has fun and is a great coach, a great guy.”

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There have even been some rumours the striker could potentially join Klopp on Merseyside, per Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Metro). However, Bleacher Report UK aren’t completely convinced by what would be an admittedly fanciful pursuit from Liverpool’s perspective:

Still, Lewandowski’s clear affection for Klopp offers an insight into his managerial style. The minutiae of his tactical preferences has been analysed aplenty in the build-up to his debut game against Spurs, but there are gravitating human qualities to the Liverpool boss too; attributes that can transform players from prospects into world-class talents.

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Lewandowski is one who has enjoyed such a process. As we can see here courtesy of Squawka Football, this season, the former Dortmund man has been stunningly prolific:

It’s worth remembering that for a long time, the Bayern man was back-up to Lucas Barrios at the Westfalenstadion. But when the chance arose for Lewandowski to lead the line for BVB, he seized his opportunity, set the tempo for what was a pugnacious set of players and eventually became one the most feared frontmen in European football.

What’s also worth noting for Liverpool fans is this process took time. There will be pressures that accompany Klopp in the early weeks as manager and the breakneck pace with which modern football moves will make some short-term progress a prerequisite.

Still, patience will be needed for the manager to make as positive an imprint on the Reds players as he’s had with Lewandowski.