TAKE A BOW, JURGEN... YOUR HANDLING OF STRICKEN LUIS WAS JUST ANOTHER LEVEL
JURGEN KLOPP’S handling of Luis Diaz has been a managerial masterclass.
I’m not talking about the compassion the Liverpool boss showed his Colombia winger when Diaz’s parents were kidnapped by a group of political rebels.
I am pretty sure every single manager in the game would have acted in exactly the same way.
What stood out for me was that, once Diaz decided to remain at Anfield while negotiations for his father’s release were reaching a conclusion, he was able to rely on his boss to give him his full trust.
It would have been so easy for Jurgen to allow Diaz to train with the Liverpool squad and then decide to let him sit it out when it came to picking the team.
But as soon as Luis made it clear that he was both physically and mentally fit to play, Klopp proved that actions really do speak louder than words by sending him out on the pitch.
I can’t tell you what it means to a footballer when you know your manager has got your back.
Klopp must have spoken to his player at great length before deciding to include Diaz in his squad for the game at Luton.
I am not sure too many other managers would have backed their judgement in the same way.
His immediate reward, of course, was an injury-time equaliser.
But, going forward, it will help to forge an unbreakable bond between player and manager.
Is it any wonder that Liverpool’s players have shown a willingness to run through the proverbial brick wall for their manager? Klopp is proof that man-management still plays a huge role in the game – and he is a master of the art.
Liverpool’s success in recent years has been built on the rock-solid team spirit he has built during his reign.
Whatever else happens this season, I am not sure we are going to get a more emotional moment than when Diaz came off the bench to score a late equaliser at Luton with his dad still missing.
To celebrate, he lifted his jersey to show off a message on his undershirt that read ‘Libertad para papa’ – freedom for dad.
I remember being fined back in the day for showing a message of support for the striking Liverpool dockers. Thankfully, this time, common sense prevailed.
Mr and Mrs Diaz – Luis Manuel and Cilenis Marulanda – are now safe and sound.
It was lovely to see Luis reunited with his dad when he flew home for international duty.
And, to celebrate his freedom, he scored two goals in four minutes as Colombia beat Brazil in a World Cup qualifier in midweek.
If Diaz needed any more convincing that he is part of the Liverpool family, this episode will give him all the reassurance he needs.
The Reds will reap the benefits from how their manager handled an impossible situation with such understanding.
Liverpool are a very special club. I have felt the support myself – and it is incredible. I am sure Luis Diaz now understands that he will Never Walk Alone.
This episode will give Diaz all the reassurance he needs