Emre Can on his injury, the Dortmund win and YNWA
An optimistic Emre Can has spoken with German media about his injury lay-off, the emotions of overcoming Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League and his future with Liverpool.
The midfielder was a key figure as the Reds defeated the Bundesliga side 4-3 last Thursday but the experience was marred slightly on a personal level for the 22-year-old.
Can was forced off with 10 minutes of the second leg remaining with what proved to be ruptured ankle ligaments – which have ruled him out for four to six weeks.
But the No.23 was upbeat as he reflected on the victory, his progression under the guidance of Jürgen Klopp and why he is ‘very happy’ at Anfield.
On his ankle ligament injury…
Obviously it was a shock and very disappointing for me. I am a fighter and won’t let anything get me down. I will give everything to try to be fit in time for Euro 2016, and I am optimistic about achieving my goal.
On the drama against Dortmund…
We had already spoken before the game about having to win it in the last minute if we needed to, and we never stopped believing. Even after going into the break 2-0 down, I had a feeling we could manage it. When we made it 2-1 I knew we would pull it off. When they scored to make it 3-1 I doubted it for a couple of minutes. When we pulled a goal back again and made it 3-2 we all told ourselves ‘it’s now or never!’ The team, the fans, the manager, everyone was desperate for it to happen. That’s what made it possible.
On struggling to sleep after the game…
I always struggle to sleep if I’ve played in the evening. This game was something special, though, I’ve never seen anything like it. Jürgen Klopp told us at half-time that we needed to believe in ourselves, and create a story we could tell our grandchildren about. And that’s what happened. I think people will be talking about this match in 10 years’ time.
On working with Klopp…
I have a lot to thank Brendan Rodgers for. He brought me to Liverpool, and I always played under his management as well and learned a lot. But of course, it’s another thing having Klopp there. Those small details that you can get across better in your native tongue. It might be an advantage for him as well.
On his future…
I am very happy in Liverpool and have a long-term contract here. The Premier League was always my aim, it’s the best league in the world for me. I am happy here, I like it a lot.
On ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’…
[I get goosebumps] before every game. The fans sing it with so much heart, it’s incredible. Something you simply have to experience.