Jurgen Klopp Warning Issued to Liverpool Players by Paul Lambert

Former Borussia Dortmund player Paul Lambert has warned Liverpool's players that they will have to work hard for their starting spot should Jurgen Klopp take over as manager at Anfield.

Klopp is the front-runner to take the top job at Liverpool following Brendan Rodgers' recent sacking, with reports suggesting his appointment could be announced as early as Friday, per the Daily Mail's Dominic King.

One-time Norwich City manager Lambert, who took his coaching badges with the former Dortmund boss, has warned the Reds players to be ready for hard work, per Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast (via talkSPORT's Ian Cruise): "If you look back at his successful period at Dortmund a lot of it was a based on the amount of miles players cover on the pitch. Nobody could outrun them. I think he will demand the same at Liverpool. He will get players to do what he wants to do, and that means covering the ground."

Klopp has been unattached since leaving Dortmund at the end of last season following seven years in charge, a spell in which he won two Bundesliga titles and claimed a Champions League final spot.

Before Dortmund he managed Mainz, and at both clubs, he produced teams "renowned for their high fitness levels and intense work ethic," per the Daily Star's Chisanga Malata.

Dortmund academy coach Gary Gordon believes that Klopp, 48, has the motivational skills to take Liverpool to the next level, per BBC 5 live Sport:

Since nearly winning the Premier League title in 2013-14, the Reds have been wholly underwhelming, and their inability to compete at the top level is ultimately what cost Rodgers his job.

Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe reckons that Klopp has a system that can succeed at Anfield but suggests the German may take some time to bring in the players he needs to make it work:

However, he undoubtedly has the credentials to make Liverpool fans confident of an upturn in fortunes for their club.

The Reds have been uninspiring so far in 2015-16, claiming only 12 points from their opening eight games. 

Klopp has the ability to turn that form around and, if nothing else, he will guarantee that Liverpool's players put in the work needed to produce positive results.