Jurgen Klopp effect already felt by Liverpool players on training ground says Lucas Leiva

New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has brought an air of positivity to Anfield, according to midfielder Lucas Leiva. The Brazilian was among the players to attend the first training session held by Klopp on Monday (12 October) and says the German's reputation from his days with Borussia Dortmund has lifted the mood around the squad.

Brendan Rodgers was sacked after the 1-1 Merseyside derby draw with Everton, which left the club with one win in their last nine games and eight adrift of the top of the Premier League. The Northern Irishman failed to win a single trophy in his three seasons in charge while his reputation in the transfer market also contributed to his exit.

Klopp arrives at Liverpool having won two Bundesliga titles in seven seasons with Borussia Dortmund, where he also guided the club to the 2013 Champions League final. The German has a stellar status in Europe and Lucas, after just one training session held with half of the squad during the international break, says the impact is already being felt ahead of his first game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Lucas told the official Liverpool website: "So far, so good. 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. 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."

"He was so successful at his last club, Borussia Dortmund," the 28-year-old Liverpool star added. "Of course, when a manager like him comes it always gives you a lot of hope. It's a fresh start for every player. His CV is amazing. So I think everyone is really excited to learn with him and improve as a player and a team, because that's the only way we will achieve what we want.

"If we have the same success that Dortmund had when he was there, everyone will be happy. That's why we're really positive about it. It's still early days; we have to listen a lot and try to pick up all of the information that he gives us as soon as possible. Then we'll be able to put onto the pitch what he wants."