Jurgen Klopp: Borussia Dortmund players applauded Marco Reus

Jurgen Klopp said Marco Reus received a round of applause from the Borussia Dortmund players after extending his contract and said it shows his belief in the club as they look bounce back from their poor start to the season.

Reus signed a new contract until 2019 on Tuesday, with no release clause, despite his previous deal containing an option to leave for 25 million euros and interest from some of the world's biggest clubs.

Dortmund are currently in the relegation playoff position in the Bundesliga after a dismal start to the season, but Reus told BVB Total the extension represented a "deal for life" and Klopp feels the Germany international's decision "sends out a strong signal."

"I am delighted that he made a timely decision," he told a news conference ahead of Friday's game against Mainz. "In our current situation, that's good, and important for everyone involved."

Klopp had found himself under serious pressure after Dortmund dropped to the foot of the table after taking only one point from their first two games after the winter break, but Saturday's 3-0 win over Freiburg and the news of Reus' decision have restored optimism.

He said the contract extension shows "that Marco, just like me, is convinced that we can take care of our current difficulties, and I hope that you can tell on Friday evening [against Mainz] that everyone believes in a successful future."

Klopp said he hopes Reus, who opened the scoring at Freiburg, can build on that performance against Mainz.

"He seemed to be very relaxed, and in great spirits, and free," he said. "He received a round of applause in the dressing room. It would be nice if it were the same after the match on Friday."

Meanwhile, Mario Gotze -- who left Dortmund for Bayern Munich in 2013 -- said he welcomed Reus' decision to remain at his hometown club.

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"As long as he is happy, everything is fine," the Germany midfielder told Sky Sports News. "I am happy for Marco -- and it's good for Bundesliga, and it's also good for Borussia Dortmund."