KLOPP BACKING HIS GREAT SCOT TO BE A NATURAL LEADER
LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted when he heard that his left-back, Andy Robertson, had been made Scotland captain — and he’s certain the 24-year-old will recover from the 4-0 defeat by Belgium on Friday night. The World Cup semi-finalists handed him a hammering at Hampden but Klopp insists that the ex-Queen’s Park, Dundee United and Hull City player will bounce back from that disappointment.
‘I’m pleased for him,’ said the German. ‘It wasn’t the best game for him to celebrate his first match as captain but a lot of teams will struggle against Belgium.
‘Andy is a fantastic fella — he’s very smart and can definitely be a leader. He has made big steps in the two years we’ve worked together.
‘He’s now the Braveheart for Scotland. He can handle the responsibility of being captain. He’s young but he’s already a leader and will get even better.’
Klopp’s interest in the Scottish game has increased since his former youth coach, Steven Gerrard, became boss of Rangers, although he revealed that the latter hasn’t tried to pick his brains.
‘I’ve seen a few games as Steven has three of my former players — two on loan (Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent) and Jon Flanagan,’ he said. ‘He’s doing well, I’m not sure what Rangers fans expect. Their start was brilliant, then they lost against Celtic — what a surprise! They are the top team in the league and it’s not like they were 50 or 60-per-cent better, like they have been in the last few years. ‘Rangers are getting closer, that’s the only way to get them there one day. That’s his job but so far it’s been more than good. It was brilliant in Europe, he’s putting a good team together. ‘We are in contact but not for advice — he doesn’t have to ask me. When I started I didn’t ask anyone for advice!’
Klopp (left) was so determined to be at Parkhead for Stiliyan Petrov and James Milner’s Match For Charity yesterday he chartered a private plane to take him to Glasgow.
Around 20,000 fans watched an entertaining 3-3 draw, with Spanish World Cup winner Joan Capdevila scoring twice and freestyler Jeremy Lynch netting a penalty to put Milner’s side ahead three times only for Robbie Keane, Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor to draw Petrov’s men level.
Johan Mjallby, the Swedish defender who was part of the Celtic side which lost the UEFA Cup final to Porto in 2003, believes Brendan Rodgers’ team can enjoy similar success in the Europa League this season. ‘Why not?’ he said. ‘This team has been fantastic, winning two Trebles. They have a lot of talent, good, good players.
‘We’ll have to wait and see how they do in the group stage — and it’s a tough group — but I think they’ve got every chance because they will improve in every game.’
Mjallby, who also served as No 2 to Neil Lennon during the Northern Irishman’s spell as manager, was delighted to return to Glasgow.
‘It was a fantastic experience being back,’ he grinned. ‘It was like the good old days, looking around and seeing Jackie McNamara, Joos Valgaeren, Henrik and Stiliyan.
‘It’s all for Stiliyan and James and the foundations they have.’