Greatest Lov of all DEJAN’S THANKS TO TWO ‘DADS’
Slaven Bilic, who writes and plays rhythm guitar, gave Lovren his big breakthrough as a teenager with a call up to the Croatia squad back in 2009.
And Lovren, 27, who faces Bilic’s West Ham today, has never looked back in a career wh i c h has now t a ken him within touching distance of the Champions League.
For that, Lovren also thanks his Kop boss and fellow rocker Jurgen Klopp, who has put heavy metal into the Croatian’s defending with a new long-term contract the rich reward.
Lovren affectionately refers to Klopp as his “father” – and it is clear that the two Daddy Cools have been instrumental in the Liverpool star finding fame for club and country.
Now, it is crunch time with Liverpool playing the Hammers and then their final game against Middlesbrough to decide the Champions League placings.
Lovren said: “He’s definitely the right manager. For me, he took a big part in everything from day one. I didn’t expect that it would go like that.
“Of course I gave my best but he gave me this confidence and belief. He believed in me.
“You have ups and downs in life but when you have somebody behind you, who has stuck with you even in bad moments, it means a lot to you – not just for me also for the team.
“We have had bad moments especially in January. But he was still behind us after these games when we struggled. He STEVE MILLAR said, ‘Guys tomorrow is the next day and we need to improve’. “What can you do? He is like a father to us, not the best friend but someone to help you and give the best advice. It is up to you if you want to accept and follow him – but everyone does. “You need to find a better solution. It is not head in the sand. It is what it is. You need to keep going and for us these two games will define our season.” Bilic (left) has been another father figure.
Lovren said: “He was a big influence on my early career. I was 19 when I received my first call for the national team. It was a big day and from that moment on everything went well.
“I am thankful he was the first manager who gave me the chance. I have known him for many years and I’m still in a good relationship with him. Definitely after the game I will smile with him.”