Tuesday 26 January 2016 18:55, UK
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre has suggested manager Jurgen Klopp could forge a similar affinity with supporters as the late, great Bill Shankly.
Ayre, who hired Klopp to succeed Brendan Rodgers in October, believes the German's "warmth and honesty" are the same great values that Shankly brought to the club during his illustrious 15-year spell as Anfield boss.
Shankly won three league titles and two FA Cups between 1959 and 1974 and remains Liverpool's most revered manager, and Ayre hopes Klopp can bring equal success to the club.
Speaking ahead of the Reds' Capital One Cup semi-final second-leg against Stoke, which is live on Sky Sports 1HD on Tuesday, Ayre told Sky Sports News HQ: "Jurgen brings a calmness to people certainly around Melwood.
"He gives a lot of hugs out as well which is good. That works for Liverpool. That's the important thing as much as Jurgen is here to do a great job for us with the team.
"I think one of the things that has been evident very quickly has been his ability to understand what this football club is about. The most successful managers at Liverpool have been those that have had a real affinity with the fans, none more so than Bill Shankly.
"Seeing the early days of Jurgen and his warmth, genuineness and honesty - they are all great values that you can associate with Liverpool. If we can add success to that then it is a great formula."
