Conor Masterson, a former Liverpool defender for Gillingham, was among the many football fans who were taken aback by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to resign at the end of the season.
The Irish defender was trained alongside Klopp’s all-star team at an early age after being selected by the Liverpool boss from the youth ranks.
Like many others who were taken aback by Klopp’s recent news that he would step down at the end of this season, Masterson will never forget what the man done for his career.
“To be honest, I was shocked by it,” Masterson remarked.
“He gave me the opportunity to work with the first team, practice with them, and sit on the bench during several games.
“I have a great deal of respect for Jurgen Klopp because it was an incredible opportunity for me to be at a team like Liverpool.”
You can see that Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, and a few other people who have been through are being brought through by him at this time. Trent Alexander-Arnold and I were on the same young team, and it was he who carried us all the way through that difficult period. I simply want to say thank you for the chance, and I want the best for him.
Many young players flourished as a result of Klopp’s faith in their potential. Although Masterson didn’t succeed at Liverpool and eventually moved on to QPR and Gillingham, he will always have happy memories of his time there.
Masterson remarked, “He gave you permission to go out and express yourself.”
“I was anxious when I stepped up (to the first team), but as soon as you get onto the training field and receive his encouragement, the restraints are removed and you can make an impression.
“The young men who step onto the field will feel strongly that they have his belief in them, and that is an incredibly powerful feeling.”
“You seem so revved up and prepared to go to war, based on what I’ve seen of his team talks before the game. It has great meaning for both of you and him. He is a really fervent individual. I enjoy passion, so it was a huge plus.
“He is a fantastic man manager and he makes you feel 10 feet tall, like you are the best player on the pitch, but I ended up getting injured after we had one really good conversation, so it didn’t help me.”
“He is the main reason why Liverpool looks like they are on top of the world when they play, and they all go out and play with a smile on their faces and an intensity that no other team really can match.”
“English football will lose a lot with him.”
