New Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp poses after the press conference at the Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, Oct 9, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Former captain Phil Thompson, who won seven league titles and three European Cups with Liverpool, called the German's appointment "a match made in heaven" and said it was the most exciting development since Dalglish returned as manager in 2011.

"It's brought massive excitement," he added.

Roy Evans, one of the managers who failed to recapture the glory years during his time in charge from 1994-98, tweeted that it was "great to feel optimistic again".

One of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League winners, Norwegian defender John Arne Riise, tweeted that the press conference "gave me goosebumps!!", adding, "what a way to start!!"

Even some opposition supporters were reluctantly impressed.

"Jurgen Klopp is going to make it much harder to dislike Liverpool," tweeted one. "But I'll give it a good go."

Klopp joins with Liverpool in 10th place in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Manchester City. His first game in charge will be at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday week.