Former Borussia Dortmund charges Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels have backed new Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for Premier League success, with the latter saying he believes the German manager will lead his new team to the league title.
Both players were members of Klopp's Dortmund squads that won the Bundesliga title in 2010-11 and again in 2011-12, and both have come out in support of their former manager as he aims to return Liverpool to past glory.
"I am convinced Klopp can win the league at Liverpool," Hummels said. "He has shown he doesn't need the biggest transfer budget or the biggest names to win the biggest trophies.
"He is a winner, I know him. His long term goal won't just be to qualify for the Champions League, and settle for that. It will be to challenge Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal for the title, and he is absolutely capable of doing that."
Klopp inherits a team that came close to winning the Premier League in 2013-14 under former manager Brendan Rodgers and have spent liberally in the past two summers to bring in new players.
How those players fit into Klopp's plans at Anfield remains to be seen, but Lewandowski believes players will improve under his former manager and that Klopp will adjust quickly to life in the Premier League.
"At Liverpool he will be able to do many good things. His positive way of thinking will help the players and give them their focus back," said Lewandowski, who has been on fire so far this season with his new team Bayern Munich. "I wish him good luck. I don't know all the Liverpool players, but I'm sure Klopp will improve them.
"I heard he put on a show at his first news conference at Liverpool. That is the way he is. Klopp is an awesome guy."
Klopp will make his bow as Liverpool manager Saturday against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.