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Liverpool news: Joe Gomez full of praise for Jurgen Klopp following injury support
LIVERPOOL defender Joe Gomez says an “emotional connection” with Jurgen Klopp is the reason why he’s fought his way back into the Liverpool first team after a serious ACL injury.
Liverpool's Joe Gomez takes the dizzy penalty challenge
Over the past 15 months Gomez has faced a gruelling battle to get back to full fitness but he now looks like being a regular starter under Klopp this season.
On the eve of Klopp’s two years at the Anfield helm, the England Under-21 captain told LFC magazine: “He has been great for someone like me going through an injury like that and then coming back.
“For him to be able to bed me in and speak to me at the same time has been ideal, and it’s made it a lot easier for me in comparison to how it could have been.”
The Liverpool boss had knee troubles of his own during his playing career in Germany, and Gomez explained how this empathy helped.
Joe Gomez is impressing under Jurgen Klopp this season
With him I think it’s about the individual connection – it’s more than just about speaking to you as manager-to-player
Gomez added: “He did his ACL previously, so there was that similarity in that he understands what it’s like to go through something like that and also know that when you come back things might not be quite the same.
"He understood the procedure and what was going on.”
Gomez, 20, also spoke glowingly of Klopp’s renowned close relationship with his players.
Jurgen Klopp has been a big help for Joe Gomez in his recovery from injury
“With him I think it’s about the individual connection – it’s more than just about speaking to you as manager-to-player," he said.
"There’s an emotional connection there and it makes you want to play for him and for the club.
“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.”
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