Liverpool defender Andy Robertson hails 'father figure' Jurgen Klopp and outlines confidence issues

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Matt Davies1 June 2020

Andy Robertson insists manager Jurgen Klopp resembles a "father figure" around the training ground, with the Liverpool defender currently working on confidence issues that have been present throughout his career.

The 26-year-old, who arrived at Anfield from Hull City in 2017, has emerged as one of the world's best full-backs in recent years, providing 18 assists during the last two Premier League seasons combined.

Liverpool are now preparing for the Premier League's resumption later this month, when they will quickly hope to seal a first league title for three decades, and Robertson has been keen to highlight the impact Klopp has had both on himself and the team.

Speaking on 'The Football Show' on Sky Sports, Robertson was provided with a quote issued by Klopp in 2019.

It read: "Could he be more confident? Maybe yes but when he's with us, he has that confidence, that belief.

Father figure: Andy Robertson is full of praise for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp
Getty Images

"What he's not is the type of character who wakes up, looks in the mirror and says, 'Look at me, I'm Andrew Robertson...' He doesn't live like that. There's no arrogance to him, none at all.

"He's just a well-educated, well brought-up boy and he comes from Scotland, all of which is good enough for me."

Robertson - who had not heard the quote before - was certainly touched my his manager's comments.

"I don't think I've heard this quote, but it's one that gets me." he said. "For a manager, who I think is the best in the world at the minute, for him to say that about me is really nice. That's what I try to be.

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"He's probably right, could I have more confidence in myself and my ability? Yes, I could. It's something I'm maybe trying to work on.

"Throughout my career, I've always doubted myself and it has kind of worked for me, brought out the best in me, putting performances in I can be proud of.

"He's a fantastic man, a fantastic manager, and for him to think I don't have negatives is great. He likes the Scottish people, I know he does, he gets on really well with Kenny Dalglish.

"He's the father figure of this training ground, this group of boys, and he's here for us in every way, whether on the pitch or off the pitch. That's why we're so successful just now, it's down to him, and long may that continue.

"I know it's a work thing, and he's my manager, but we're more than that, we're a family here and that's why we've been so successful."

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