This is why Gomez loves Klopp so much
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has revealed why he loves Reds manager Jurgen Klopp.
The former Charlton Atheltic starlet required some TLC after busting his ALC last season and Klopp provided the love.
“With him I think it’s about the individual connection – it’s more than just about speaking to you as manager-to-player,” Liverpoolfc.com reported that he said. “There’s an emotional connection there and it makes you want to play for him and for the club.”
Gomez has since emerged out of the ashes of what used to be a career threatening blow to be one of the bright sparks of a campaign that has lurched uncomfortably from exhilarating to depressing.
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He’s alternated between featuring at right-back or central this campaign, something that shows his talented and physical attributes.
But like any young footballer finding his way in the cut throat world of professional sport, Gomez has had his ups and downs. However, the exceptional man-management skills of Klopp made the downs easier to cope with.
“He takes time out for you and I think he’s aware of everyone’s feelings. He’s able to assess how people are feeling and is able to speak to them like normal people.
“Of course when you get players who are not playing in the team, they are not going to be happy. But he is able to take that side out of it and just speak to you in a straightforward way. As I say, it makes you want to play for him,” the player elaborated.
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The 20-year-old has started five of the seven Premier League games this campaign as well as on League Cup game, once in the Champions League group stages and once in the qualifying round.
This adds to Gomez’s three FA Cup appearances during 2016/2017 and the former Addicks’ two Europa League starts and five league games in his debut Liverpool campaign.
Reds fans will want the defender to be at his best when they take on Manchester United on Saturday, and he is certainly motivated to perform under Klopp.
“I want to play for him and for the club and try to put [the injuries] behind me. I’m thankful for the opportunities that he has been giving me. When I was out, he was someone I was always dreaming of playing for,” gushed Gomez.
The Red Devils have been in fine form this campaign and have the monstrous Romelu Lukaku to thank for a lot of their success. Should Gomez find himself deployed as a centre-back, he will have to be at his best to deal with the Belgian.
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But the threat doesn’t stop there as the England U21 international may also find himself watched up opposite Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford.