Bobby’s another ‘belter’!
LEE CLARK has lifted the lid on the Jurgen Klopp quality-control inspections that are helping drive the “conveyer belt” of Kop kids – including his son Bobby.
Clark, part of Kevin Keegan’s Newcastle United ‘Entertainers’ of the 90s, is now a proud parent living the dream thanks to midfielder Bobby, who is proving age is no barrier in the pursuit of trophies.
The 19-year-old Clark came on as a sub in last Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final win over Chelsea, and played a major part in Wednesday’s FA Cup fifthround humbling of Southampton, alongside other youngsters Conor Bradley, James Mcconnell, Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas.
Clark Snr (below) said: “Liverpool have created this pathway over many years. And the crux of it all is they have a manager, who is prepared to play the young boys in pressure games.
“The demands on a Liverpool manager means you have got to be challenging for silverware.
“Despite all that expectation Jurgen is not frightened to put the kids in. He believes in them and backs them.
“Liverpool also have this talent group in between the Under-21s and the first team. This was set up by assistant manager Pep Lijnders and elite development coach Vitor Matos. “What they basically do is get this talent group training in the afternoon, and Jurgen will come out of his office and watch from the balcony or sometimes go on the touchline, viewing the next batch of young talent, and decide if they are ready.
“It’s become so successful there’s now a conveyer belt of talent.
“Here is where they are identified as having the talent to get into the first team. Jurgen is well aware of them long before you see them on the big stage.”