Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool manager has 'no intention' of raiding Borussia Dortmund for Marco Reus and Mats Hummels

'Aim is to play football with an identity'

(2015 Liverpool FC)

New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has no interest in bringing his former Borussia Dortmund stars to Anfield during the January transfer window.

The German has, predictably, already been linked with the likes of Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Neven Subotic and Ilkay Gundogan having developed those players into stars.

"That's not my intention at all," Klopp told German newspaper Bild when asked about the possibility of raiding his former club.

Instead, the 48-year-old again reiterated his desire to work with the crop of player he inherited from Brendan Rodgers, most of whom he is yet to meet as they have been away on international duty.

At his first press conference Klopp spoke glowingly of the players already at Liverpool and said he believed they can get better. Having spent Saturday watching the Under-18s and the weekend exploring the city, Klopp arrived at the Melwood training ground on Monday to take his first session with the limited players who were around.

"I'm not interested in that," he said of looking to January for reinforcements. "It's already October and I don't even know how many matches there are until winter.

"But there are a few and so we'll be looking at our own players first."

Klopp has cautioned against expecting any noticeable dramatic improvement in his first match in charge when he takes the team to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, mainly because of the time he has available with all his players. However, that has not prevented expectation among fans going through the roof since he was confirmed as manager.

Klopp insists no targets have been imposed for him apart from to rediscover what was lost in the last 18 months under Rodgers.

"I had a long conversation with the owner (John Henry) and the aim is simply to play football with an identity," he said.

"I have no idea why the hype is so big. Lots of German coaches have been successful but not many come here. This is a big challenge for me and my coaching team.

"Liverpool have had a period without success and changed managers a lot. Now the hope is for miracles but progress takes time."

Klopp charmed and entertained in his press conference, declaring himself 'the Normal One' after he was asked about Jose Mourinho's quip about being 'a Special One' when he first arrived in England.

The German refused to say whether the Chelsea manager had been in touch but insists his remark was far from pre-planned.

"No, but I haven't given any thought to such things," said Klopp, who revealed despite his good grasp of English he was taking further lessons to ensure he can get his message across to the players.

"I was asked about it and it took me off-guard. Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut, but in a press conference it's pretty difficult."

Additional reporting from PA