Alex Manninger believes Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool’s goalkeepers to be “lively” to complement the club’s full-throttle gameplan, and has asserted his support for Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.
The 39-year-old has been handed a 12-month deal to serve as the third-choice stopper for the Anfield side; a role he fully embraces.
“I’m used to working as part of a team, and not only focusing on myself,” he said following an intensive session at Stanford University.
“You need someone behind you who gives you hand, who gives you the right words before a game, during the game and after the game.
“And this is probably now my job. I know I won’t play 40 games a year, but if I’m called upon, I’ll be ready.
“I will give my full support to the guys and it will make me very happy to see strong performances from them and positive results for Liverpool.”
Manninger, who marks his 21st season as a professional, detailed the requirements Klopp expects from his last line of defence.
“The manager wants a modern goalkeeper to join the team with obviously defending, but then the pressing and pressure - making the game as quick as possible,” he said.
“You do that by keeping close behind the line, throwing the ball out quickly, don’t waste too much time with unnecessary things.
“I think he wants a lively goalkeeper, a goalkeeper he can count on and he definitely has those in this squad. We will do our best to fulfil everything he wants from us.”
The retired Austria international, who turned out for both Arsenal and Juventus, admitted it was a shock to be offered the chance to join another esteemed club as his career winds down.
“About 10 days ago I got a phone call that I didn’t expect to be honest, so it was a nice surprise,” Manninger said.
“I knew I wasn’t finished, but when the phone was ringing with Liverpool on the other side of the line, it made me feel good.
“I am aware obviously of the responsibility of signing for the club, and know that I am fully capable of doing my role so I’m looking forward to the nice season that’s coming up.
“It’s fantastic to get another chance in these late days.
“It definitely gives me a buzz for probably what’s heading towards the end of my career. I’m really proud to have this possibility to work with Jurgen and one of the best teams in Europe.
“There are good lads and great players around, and that makes me even more happy.”
Manninger revealed he had another job opportunity to consider, but once Liverpool registered their interest in giving him a short-term deal, his decision was easy.
“I spoke to someone. I had about three or four weeks of holiday like everyone then I started to pick up the phone,” he said.
“I had a couple of conversations over what could be a possibility, but I also knew not to rush into anything because it had to be something special, and that is what I have now.
“I am really proud to be part of the new now and proud to be part of what is a new generation at Liverpool.”
The veteran stopper also provided insight on fellow new signing Karius, whom he watched developed in the Bundesliga.
“I’m happy to have him in the squad because I know he will do his job at 100 per cent,” Manninger said.
“He did brilliantly for Mainz in the last couple of seasons.
“He’s probably one of the best modern goalkeepers in Europe around at the moment, and I think Liverpool did great to get him in his early days because there is a lot still left in him.
"He has lots of potential to show for a long, long time.”
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- Goal