Klopp explains rising confidence in Kostas as Liverpool confirm signing

Liverpool have confirmed that Olympiacos left-back Kostas Tsimikas has put pen to paper on a “long-term” contract at Anfield.

The Reds identified the 24-year-old as their top target at left-back after failing in negotiations with Norwich and Jamal Lewis.

Kostas, a three-time Greece international, will wear the No. 21 shirt last worn by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

“I’m very happy, I’m very proud to be here. For me, [it’s] the biggest club in the world. It’s an honour to be here and I will give my best,” Kostas told Liverpool’s official website.

“The league here, I like a lot. I watch it on the TV and it was always one dream I had from when I was a kid to come to play in this league and to come through.

“With a lot of work and focus on what I do and what the coach wants, and every day working hard in training, I can be on the highest level.

“[I want] to achieve [our] goals. To win the league again and also to win the Champions League.”

TEAMtalk recently learned the inside scoop on negotiations between Liverpool and Olympiacos over the deal.

Kostas will arrive as senior back-up to the marauding Andy Robertson, with the club previously relying on James Milner or Joe Gomez to step in.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp also spoke to the club after they announced the signing. The German boss explained why he has confidence in Kostas succeeding at Anfield.

KLOPP BACKS KOSTAS TO SUCCEED

“We have watched Kostas for a long time and are really happy that he has joined us. It’s the perfect news before we come back together very soon,” Klopp said.

“He is a very good footballer with an attitude to win and to compete, and I really like his mentality. It fits perfectly with the mood and the desire we have in our dressing room already.

“He has showed already at a young age he can experience football in a different country and do well – and he has been a big part of the success Olympiacos has had to win their title this season and in their European campaigns.”

Klopp said he also admired the fact that Kostas has vital experience in European competitions.

“Kostas knows from personal experience what is required to challenge and succeed domestically and in the Champions League, and he is ambitious for more – just like us,” he said.

“He has come up against some very tough opponents in the past couple of seasons and done well and we know he relishes the challenge, which is perfect for us.

“For that reason we are delighted to know we’ll have him with us for the years ahead. I’m so pleased.”

Kostas will join up with his new teammates as they travel to Evian for a pre-season training camp ahead of the new Premier League season.