Joe Gomez reveals what makes Jurgen Klopp so special to his Liverpool squad

David Lynch3 June 2019

Joe Gomez hailed Jurgen Klopp as the pivotal figure in Liverpool’s Champions League success and declared: “I am blessed to have a manager like him.”

Appointed to replace Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, the German has transformed the Reds from drifting underachievers into a domestic and European force.

Defeats in three consecutive finals meant that Klopp had little to show for the progress he had overseen - until Saturday’s win over Tottenham, that is.

And, according to Gomez, there is no doubt among the players just how valuable an asset the manager is.

He said: “I am quite young but I know I am blessed to have a manager like him. I don't think there are many out there who does what he does. We are lucky.

In Pictures | Tottenham vs Liverpool Champions League Final | 1/6/2019

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“All of us have so much gratitude to have a manager like him. For me personally he has done so much for me and all the lads think the same.

“He is an unbelievable manager and someone we owe a lot to. It shows the togetherness in the group and how much we all value him as a manager.”

Asked to explain what it is that makes Klopp so special, the Englishman added: “I think it is just his energy.

“Not just the tactical side of things but him as a person, that's why there is such a connection.

“That is why we want to play for him, why we want to celebrate with him when we win because he is one of the reasons we do it. It is special.

“He brings so much value to us and he shows us what it means to play for this club.”

Gomez also lavished praise upon another key leader in the Reds’ dressing room: Jordan Henderson.

The midfielder opted to stay and fight for his place when Klopp’s predecessor Rodgers attempted to use him as a makeweight in a proposed deal to sign Clint Dempsey from Fulham in 2013.

In Pictures | Liverpool homecoming and parade | 02/06/2019

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His journey since has been defined by a constant need to win over critics, whose judgements were undermined in the most effective way possible on Saturday evening.

On the skipper, Gomez said: “Unbelievable. I don't think there are many better captains than him. I think as a person he is one of the best there is and he deserves so much.

Getty Images

“He's had tough times but for me, ever since I came to the club, I've had a real connection with him and no-one deserves it more than him and I am so happy he was the one to lift it for the sixth time for this club.”

Liverpool’s No.12 has also been on a journey this season, having fought back from a broken leg that curtailed an impressive start the campaign.

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

He continued: “I've had some tough times and it's a battle to come back from it but I've never doubted myself and I never will. I think it is not easy to come back from injuries but it is part of the game and happens for a reason.

“It is a blessing to play for this club and I just have to go again. I am more motivated than ever and getting a taste of this is something which will drive me on next season.”

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