New HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS
Ox fits right in on his first day at training
IT WAS like starting life at a new school for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, but there were no signs of any first-day nerves.
The £35million deadline-day signing from Arsenal joined training at Liverpool for the first time and said he instantly felt right at home.
The England midfielder was pictured bantering with his new team-mates as he underwent his first session with Jurgen Klopp – and true to form he was given a big hug by the Reds’ coach.
Oxlade-Chamberlain said it was the lure of working with the German boss that persuaded him to turn his back on a big-money bid from Chelsea – and to take a pay cut at Anfield.
He said: “I felt this place was definitely the place for me.
“And the way the manager’s teams play, that’s inspirational for me and was one of the instrumental reasons, if not the main reason, that I signed.”
Oxlade-Chamberlain believes that Anfield is the place his stop-start career can develop, and allow him to fulfil the potential that marked him out as a potential England star from an early age.
While he remains part of Three Lions chief Gareth Southgate’s World Cup plans, many believe the 24-year-old’s career stagnated a little under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.
And Oxlade-Chamberlain revealed that the reputation Klopp has in transforming young players into world stars was one of the big factors in his decision to leave the Emirates.
He added: “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.
“That’s one of the reasons why I felt like he was the man I’d want to come and play for because I feel like he could push me, get the best out of me and take me to the next level.
“Even as a neutral watching him last season, you could see he is an interesting character and someone who seems very inspiring for people who are not 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 them on and off the field.
“That’s massive and a big plus when you want to progress.”