Lovren: Klopp turned us from doubters to believers

[TLW]

Dejan Lovren has hailed the mentality that Jurgen Klopp has instilled in the club. When the German arrived in October of 2015, the Reds were at the crossroads, seemingly still in a malaise after the heartbreak of the title collapse in the 2013/4 season.

The Reds needed a spark, someone to improve the squad and enlighten the fan base.

One line which stood out in Klopp’s initial press conference was when he said he would turn ‘doubters into believers.’

Words can be seen as just that if you cannot back them up with actions.

It initially was a slow build with plenty of bumps along the way, however bit by bit Klopp’s methods were taking shape.

Fast forward to the modern day and Klopp’s unshakable belief in his squad has proven complete dividends.

Lovren who has had his fair share of critics in his Liverpool career, but is one of those players who Klopp has full faith in.

He was thought to be out the door in the summer, but a move did not materialise and he has worked his way into the starting lineup on occasions, including against Genk on Wednesday night.

The Croatian gave an insight into the workings of the German via Sky Sports

Four years already? I'm getting old. Yes, we started to believe when he said 'from doubters to believers.

“He changed things in the club, from small details like saying 'good morning' to everyone, to cleaning your table.

“ We are, I think, raised at my age that when you see an older person you will say 'Good morning'. It is about respect.

“When you have this outside of the pitch you will feel it also on the pitch. It is the simple things.

“It is about things like the food; he brought in people who are the best in these positions, and he knows what he is doing.

“ I think some part of these details are missing in some clubs."

On Sunday, Klopp will face the team he did in his first game as Liverpool manager, that being Tottenham.

Lovren is one of the few Liverpool squad members who remain from that fixture along with James Milner, Divock Origi. and Nathaniel Clyne.

Spurs have had a less than desirable start to the new campaign, currently sitting in seventh position on 12 points.

 

But speaking from personal experience, Lovren said that the 2019 Champions League runners-up can still bounce back this season.

“ Three or four years ago we didn't have the best start.

“With the improvement, the belief, with the work of the team you can achieve anything. This is what Klopp told us.

“The most difficult part is when you are on top to stay on the top. 

“When you sometimes drop it is about showing your inner strength, it is about the character of the team to jump back.

“I think we learned about all our mistakes from previous years. I think we are on the right path.

"He (Klopp) said to us it is exceptional that we lost the final against Real Madrid and we came this year and won it, it says a lot about the team.


 

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[Kevin D]

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