KEEP CALM & KARI ON
Adam and Kop pal plot recovery
ADAM BOGDAN looked over the shoulder of Jurgen Klopp as Loris Karius went through hell and admits he’s not the only keeper in need of redemption.
The Hibs new boy has signed on a season-long loan deal from Liverpool after spending 18 months out with a serious knee injury.
Hungarian Bogdan hasn’t played since November 2016 when he tore his ACL in a goalless draw at Barnsley during a spell at Wigan from the Reds.
He was signed from Bolton three years ago by Brendan Rodgers on a free transfer and despite his injury was still part of the travelling party for the Champions League Final in Kiev.
Liverpool lost 3-1 to Real Madrid after a couple of monumental cock-ups from German Karius – and Bogdan’s heart immediately went out to his rival.
He said: “I watched the Champions League Final from behind the bench in Kiev. It was intense.
“I could never imagine watching the team I support in the Final. It was too much for the heart.
“It was emotionally unbelievable because everyone was going in with such positivity and then you realise you are not going to win it and everyone is overcome with sadness.
“It was more emotional as a keeper because we could relate to our team-mate Loris. That whole day was full of highs and lows.
“I once lost eight for Hungary and it was a nightmare, run over by an amazing Holland side.
“The last 18 months have been a rollercoaster. I saw a couple of doctors, had a few MRI scans and everything seemed clean but my knee was still producing fluid.
“It took much longer than I thought and that made me frustrated.
“But I’ve been fit since February and I have been training in the first and second team at Liverpool.
“I am feeling fresh and will be 100 per cent fit very soon.”
Bogdan, bossed by Neil Lennon at Bolton, faces going from Real in Europe to little Runavik of the Faroes as he gears up for his debut in the Europa League qualifiers next week.
Ofir Marciano is out with a hand injury but the 30-year-old is refusing to take anything for granted.
He added: “Everyone at Hibs wants to be in the group stage. The first step is the Faroe Islands and playing on the astroturf but beautiful things can come out of it.
“I’m looking forward to working with the boss again.
“What do I remember most about him from Bolton? Those half-time team talks! He demands a lot but he is a good guy.”
Bogdan may be moving away from the glare of the Premier League but it won’t be out of the spotlight entirely with the focus for the new Premiership season set to fall on the rivalry between Rodgers and Steven Gerrard in particular.
Bogdan said: “Gerrard is a brilliant guy, humble and with an aura. He is a legend in Liverpool and rightly so.
“Rodgers is quiet I would say. He is a different type to Klopp for example.”
What do I remember most about Lennon from Bolton? Those half-time team talks! ADAM BOGDAN