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While the October international break was probably the right time to bring in a new manager, the time in between games has felt interminable for Liverpool fans who want to see their team play under new manager Jürgen Klopp. The players have been filtering back into town since earlier in the week, and the ones that weren't struck with injury have finally began training. (SIdenote: I don't watch much international football during the fall, but based on how the players get returned, I can only assume it's akin to watching one of the Saw movies.)
Adam Lallana has had some time now to train with his new manager and the surviving members of the squad, and he talked about his excitement at this new chapter in Liverpool history.
"I am excited about working with him," he said.
"I came back here on Tuesday after the England game and since then all the other lads who have been away on international duty have filtered back.
"The first impressions have been really good. I had a good chat with Jurgen on the training field.
"The sessions have been intense and enjoyable. He has set out how he wants us to play.
"There’s been a little bit of a first day at school feeling with different people to impress - you want to do well for him.
"There’s a good feeling around the place. He’s made everyone feel welcome and he wants us to work hard.
"Hopefully I can impress him and help the team pick results up to get us up the table."
Lallana's hopes are echoed by the Liverpool faithful, who have been waiting with breathless anticipation to see what their side looks like under Klopp. The game against Tottenham on Saturday is likely too early to see any major changes, but even an inkling of improvement would be enough to buoy dimmed spirits.
While he expressed happiness with the new manager, Lallana was also complimentary to departing manager Brendan Rodgers, and said that he'd been in contact with him through text message:
"I sent Brendan a text and I am sure the majority of the players will have done the same," he said, adding, "He did a fantastic job during his time here. He was here for a long time and everyone wishes him well for the future.
"I found out who the new manager was at a similar time as you guys in the media. Jordan spoke to all the boys to inform them it was Jurgen Klopp. I watched the press conference while I was on international duty.
"Change is part and parcel of the industry we’re in. It’s guaranteed in football. Players change, the environment changes, managers change - it’s something you have to deal with and be professional about.
"I always give 100% and work as hard as I can to be the best I can be. That will be exactly the same under this manager as it was under Brendan.
"Hopefully I can learn different bits off this manager and I’m looking forward to working with him."
Classy words from Lallana, and an interesting peek behind the curtain as to what it's like being a professional footballer in such an ever-changing league. Like us, Lallana may have had an assumption that it would be Klopp, but it seems that Jordan Henderson, the captain, was charged with sharing the official news with his other teammates.
Lallana has had an up and down season so far, but hopefully his talent can be correctly harnessed by Klopp so that he can improve and really kick on during this difficult few months when the team needs him most.
