Klopp endorsement keeping Gomez in positive mood
Long-term injury has denied Joe Gomez the opportunity to play for Jürgen Klopp but the very first conversation between the young Liverpool defender and his manager offered reassurance that he will do so plenty of times in the future.
The summer signing from Charlton Athletic made a seamless transition to life in the Barclays Premier League at the beginning of the season, showing maturity beyond his 18 years to claim a starting spot at left-back for the Reds.
But Gomez’s dream opening chapter at Anfield was cut short when he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury while representing England U21s on October 13 – five days after Klopp had been appointed as the club’s new boss.
The young man was naturally affected by such an unexpected setback, though encouraging words upon his first meeting with the manager have stuck firmly in his mind as light appears at the end of his comeback tunnel.
“[Klopp’s arrival] was just announced one or two days before the U21s game, and me and Jordon [Ibe] were saying we can’t wait to get back to see what he’s like,” Gomez told Goal.com, who have named the No.12 in the top 10 of their ‘Best 50 Players Under 18’.
“We were excited. We also thought he’d be watching our game and we both wanted to put on a good show, then the injury happened. The first time I actually met the manager was when I came back from my scan and found out I’d done my ACL.
“It obviously wasn’t the way I thought I’d first talk to him, or how I wanted to it to be, but I think this setback and the timing has helped me become stronger.
“He spoke to me straight away and said he likes my playing style, that he knows I can play across the back, that he was really sad about the injury but I’m young so have a lot of time to make up for these months of not playing.
“He said in terms of the physical side, obviously the physios and medical team will help me out, but that his door is always open if I need to talk to him about anything. Apart from that, the message has just been about me getting my head down, doing my bit in the gym, watching our games and learning as much as I can from the outside looking in.
“The way he is also makes the fact that I’m injured easier because he is so full of positive energy, is welcoming and is just brilliant with us. You know he’s there for you.
“My mind at the moment is completely focused on fighting back strong and hard after this injury, making sure I’m sharper and ready to contribute to the team again.”