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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says lure of working with Jurgen Klopp key to Liverpool transfer
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain says the lure of working with Jurgen Klopp was pivotal in his decision to ditch Arsenal for Liverpool and try to take his game to ‘the next level’.
Oxlade-Chamberlain was the highest profile transfer on the final day of the summer window, moving to Anfield from The Emirates for £35 million.
The England international rejected a lucrative contract extension in North London, and snubbed an offer from champions Chelsea.
In his unveiling interview as a Liverpool player – he will wear the number 21 shirt – Oxlade-Chamberlain says he is looking forward to benefiting from Klopp’s famed man-management skills.
“I felt like he was the man I'd want to come and play for because I feel like he could really push me and hopefully get the best out of me and take me to the next level, for sure,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Even as a neutral watching him last season, you (could see) he's a really interesting character and someone that seems very inspiring for people that aren't even involved in the club. Watching him, (you see) his passion and how much he cares about the game.
“The thing that stood out for me was his relationship with the players, how close he seems to bond with the players on and off the field. That's massive and it's definitely a big plus when you're looking to progress, having that relationship with the manager, that definitely helps.
“And then obviously the way his teams play, that's definitely inspirational for me and was one of the instrumental (reasons) - if not the main reason - that I felt this place was definitely the place for me.”
On signing the player, Klopp recalled being impressed by Oxlade-Chamberlain when he shone against his old side, Borussia Dortmund.
Evidently the manager also caught the player’s attention.
“Even when he was at Dortmund, you see these things from the outside when you look at managers and the way they work,” he continued.
“He's definitely a manager that's very animated on the side and you sort of feel like you get to know him without even knowing him when you listen to him in his press conferences - and then the insights I've had from the boys on him.
“First of all, what he's achieved, you respect that straight away and how much he knows about the game, and then all his extra attributes - his relationships with the players and how he pushes you, encourages you and what he demands from you - that's like a bonus. That's what makes him special in my eyes.”