Jurgen Klopp has claimed that his low-key start to life as Liverpool manager is a reminder that he has a big challenge on his hands - but one that he is relishing.
The Reds, who drew 0-0 at Tottenham Hotspur in the German's coronation last Saturday, failed to break down 10-man Rubin Kazan in the Europa League on Thursday as Klopp's side drew 1-1 on his Anfield debut.
The 48-year-old hopes to get off the mark when Southampton come to town on Sunday, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund coach - who won two Bundesliga titles - is desperate for realistic expectations regardless of what happens this weekend.
"You all know that football is not the game where you can have the genius plan without Barcelona or Bayern Munich players," he told a press conference. "Against Kazan they made a goal, so okay, maybe one fault? Maybe a little bit more in two positions? But there are bigger mistakes in football.
"But they got the goal and it was not an enjoyable game anymore. It was like 'Fuck! Even when Klopp is on the side we don't win 8-0!' But that is the situation. It is a hard job, but I knew it would be. If I wanted it the easy way, then I would have stayed a little longer on holiday.
"I knew about the problems of course, and I know it is not easy to do the right things at Liverpool in this moment, because the expectations are so big. What I felt until now is that we all cool down a bit and then we can all start. Everybody understands that it is hard work and it is a long way."
The Merseysiders sit 10th in the Premier League table, eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
Shane Callaghan
