Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has confessed that Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield arrival has given him “new energy” as he looks to move forward in a Reds career plagued by injuries.
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He told Globo Esparto; “The arrival of Klopp has given me a new energy”.
“I heard he said he’d been interested in signing me when he was at Borussia Dortmund so that shows that he is aware of my qualities”.
The Brazil global has started all four of Klopp’s four Premier League games in charge of the 18-time English champions since October. It’s a high number, but he already managed to shape the team in a different way.
I’m no fan of James Milner, but given the choice, I’d rather have him in midfield than Can. He’s very demanding, but he has clear ideas on football.
They’re all there. From Philippe Coutinho’s manic celebration after his victor at Stoke, to Klopp looking pensive on the sidelines after his first defeat at the club – a lot has happened in three months.
“When you are upfront you are closer to the goal and can potentially score more often so I would say I prefer this position”.
“I’ve had great times at the club, but this has really been one of my best phases of my years at Liverpool”. I’ve been at Liverpool many years so I know how important it is to be captain of Liverpool, ‘ he added. Klopp bestowed the captaincy on Lucas during the match against Crystal Palace a week ago, and it was a gesture of deep meaning for the Brazilian. “Since I’ve been at the club for a longer time than anybody else, the manager showed he appreciates me with this gesture and it was a very special moment for me”. I wasn’t prepared. But I had the willpower, and the coaches that helped me evolve.
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“I identify very strongly with Liverpool now, and I’m in my ninth season”.
