Whatever opinion one holds of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, his ‘passion’ is probably a part of it – for all the right reasons , might they add. The German manager has taken man-management to another level , a level which is rare to see in top flight football. Star man and defender Virgil Van Dijk has lifted the lid on the impact this kind of character has on the players.
Van Dijk said: “I remember talking to the manager about the transfer fee Liverpool paid for me and he just said, ‘Listen, all good things cost a lot of money’.
“I thought it was a great thing to come out with – and it shows why Jurgen Klopp was one of the main reasons I came to this club.
“I remember meeting the boss for the first time. We had a really good talk and he just gave me the right confidence.
“There is something about Klopp that makes him stand out. It’s not just his energy, I think it’s his man- management.
“Klopp makes you feel great. He is genuinely pleased to see you in the morning and that has a big effect on the players who come in.
“Just look at the hugs he gives us all at the end of games. It is only a bit of affection, something very small, but it makes you feel great.
“And yet, he can be stone-hard the next day and put you in your place when you have made mistakes.
“He will do that in front of the entire squad, but we all accept it because we know it is not something personal.
“Klopp has shown in so many moments that he cares about us – and that’s why he is able to demand so much from us all.”
