Jurgen Klopp takes over as new Liverpool club manager

Liverpool have confirmed the appointment of former Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp as their new manager.

The German signed his contract, which Press Association Sport understands is a three-year deal, in a city center hotel after flying into Liverpool John Lennon airport on Thursday evening.

In a short statement on Twitter the club said: "Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce Jurgen Klopp has been appointed as the club's new manager. The German coach has signed a deal to take the helm at the Reds and will be presented at a press conference at Anfield on Friday morning."

Klopp will be presented at a press conference on Friday and his arrival represents something of a coup for owners Fenway Sports Group, who moved swiftly and decisively to appoint the 48-year-old after sacking Brendan Rodgers following Sunday's 1-1 draw at Everton.

Regarded as one of the top coaches in Europe, the fact he has taken on the challenge at Liverpool -- who apart from one thrilling title near-miss in 2014 have slid well down the Premier League pecking order -- is already being viewed by fans as a significant turning point in their fortunes. Klopp's appointment immediately injects a feelgood factor into a club in need of it after they were humbled 3-0 at home by West Ham and only just scraped past League Two Carlisle on penalties in the Capital One League Cup.

But the German will also be expected to bring success back to Anfield, and with the club just three points off the top four and only six behind leaders Manchester City there is great optimism he will be able to have a considerable impact this season. Klopp is expected to bring with him Bosnian Zeljko Buvac, his assistant both at Dortmund and Mainz before that, and coach Peter Krawietz.

In preparation for that the club began a clear-out of many of predecessor Rodgers' backroom staff earlier in the day, with assistant manager Sean O'Driscoll and first team coach Gary McAllister -- who were only brought in over the summer in an overhaul of coaching personnel -- removed from their posts. Head of performance Glen Driscoll and head of opposition analysis Chris Davies, who followed Rodgers to Anfield from Swansea in 2012, have also lost their jobs.

However, former Reds midfielder McAllister has accepted an ambassadorial role and the former Scotland international's classy act in taking training on Thursday -- even though he knew it was his last -- reflects well on him and the what influence he can have behind the scenes. McAllister took the session with one member of staff - Pep Lijnders, promoted in the summer from the club's academy as a player development coach - who has kept his job.

It appears the position of head of fitness and conditioning Ryland Morgans, another Rodgers recruit from Swansea, is also safe for now.

"The club would like to place on record its thanks to all four men (who have left) for the professionalism, commitment and dedication they have displayed during their time here, and the positive impact they have had in helping to support football operations and the team," said a club statement. "McAllister will remain with the club, albeit in a different role, not connected to first-team duties."

The statement added: "The Scot has accepted an ambassadorial position, which will allow the club to benefit from his strong connection and affinity with the supporters. The club would also like to take this opportunity to wish Sean, Glen and Chris every success in the future."

Former Liverpool manager and now England boss Roy Hodgson offered Klopp his best wishes in his new job.

"Certainly we wish him well. I mean, it is like everything else - everybody who comes into the job has taken somebody else's job," said Hodgson. "It is club business when they decide to change managers. It has got nothing to do with international managers like myself. All I can do is welcome Jurgen to England and wish him the very best of luck with his job of making Liverpool the top team that the owners would like them to be."

Hodgson also expressed the hope he and the German would enjoy a good working relationship in the coming years.

"I've been very fortunate since taking over as the England manager that I had a very good relationship, and received a lot of help and backing from Brendan Rodgers," he added. "I am hoping that Jurgen Klopp will give me the same support and backing as we've had."