Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Approves Of His First Klopp Hugs

One of the more divisive signings of the year, and the last one Liverpool made before the window shut, was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from Arsenal. The young and versatile midfielder started training after returning from international duty, and was welcomed into the fold in true Klopp style by his new manager - with a hug.

"[The hug] was nice, very warm, very loving, very passionate,” Oxlade-Chamberlain said to the Echo. “He's a really interesting and inspirational character. I've got that hunger to do him right and play well for him."

Cited already as one of his main reasons for signing with the club, that hunger for approval comes as no surprise, but it was also the opportunity to play in his preferred position for the German that pushed Ox-Chambo to sign on the line.

"I've always been a central attacking midfielder," he added. “As I became a professional I got put out wide more. I like doing that as well but I want to be further forward on the pitch.

"I got the feel from coming here that I'd be playing further forward and in attacking midfielder."

He may have been able to take a slight dig at Arsenal shortly after signing for the Reds, he made his debut for Liverpool in the 5-0 loss against Manchester City on Saturday - taking a small part in an afternoon to forget. With Adam Lallana still injured and now Sadio Mané out for three domestic matches, Oxlade-Chamberlain will have plenty of time to carve a place in Jürgen Klopp’s midfield.

Hopefully the memories of the hugs will spur him to greatness.