Lucas Leiva Reveals Jurgen Klopp's First Message to Liverpool Players

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva has revealed new Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's opening message to his current squad, with the midfielder referencing the German's passion and intensity.

Leiva told the club's official website Klopp had gathered his new players together to outline his mandate at Anfield, with the squad notably impressed:

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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.

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Lucas further elaborated on the manager's philosophy, as Klopp looks to reshape the fortunes of a fallen giant. Effort and application were highlighted, with the coach preaching open communication, allowing his players to have their say, per the official website:

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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.

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The midfielder added he thinks it's a fresh start for all of the players at Anfield, with Klopp revitalising the club before his side have even taken to a Premier League football pitch.

Liverpool travel to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, in what will be a tough test for Klopp in his first match in English football. 

The biggest beneficiary of the German's appointment could be Lucas' countryman Roberto Firmino, who has endured a difficult start to his career at Anfield.

Klopp will be well aware of the player's talents after his exploits for Hoffenheim, with football writer Greg Lea of Squawka.com passing comment: "Klopp's arrival at the club will have given the 24-year-old a huge boost. Firmino is a player who Klopp admired in the pair’s Bundesliga days, with the Brazilian international already somewhat familiar with his new manager’s methods having played against his Dortmund side on multiple occasions."

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Klopp is one of the most charismatic coaches in world football, and his infectious personality is sure to rub off on his new players. The Liverpool squad is not currently capable of challenging for the Premier League title, but former boss Brendan Rodgers proved they are a much better collective when playing attacking football. 

The German will bring this element to Anfield with him, with his sides playing a high pressing style that will enthuse the Kop as they study his methods. 

Despite a poor final season at Borussia Dortmund, Klopp is a proven winner domestically and in Europe, as highlighted by Opta:

Damage limitation might be the choice of a new coach when he enters a football club, but it is more likely Klopp will play the maverick, with his team eager to impress and work hard for him.

The Reds have significant financial backing from owners FSG, but Klopp will have 10 weeks to assess his current crop before having to address the transfer window.

Liverpool are just six points from the summit of the Premier League table, giving Klopp the perfect opportunity to gain success fast if his team can take the points in north London at the weekend.