We’re in Europe elite because of guys like Robbo
Klopp hails attitude of Scot even when he’s not playing
JURGEN KLOPP has lavished praise on Andrew Robertson and told him he’s still on course for a brilliant career at Anfield.
The Scotland full-back has made just four appearances for Liverpool since his £8million summer switch from Hull.
He has been forced to play second fiddle to Alberto Moreno, a £12m signing from Sevilla by Brendan Rodgers three years ago, who has finally come good.
Robertson, 23, has featured more often for Scotland this season than Liverpool – with five appearances to just four.
He played in last weekend’s 5-1 win at Brighton but was again on the outside looking in for the 7-0 drubbing of Spartak Moscow in the Champions League.
However, Klopp took time out in his matchday programme notes for Wednesday night’s game to salute the professionalism of the former Queen’s Park and Dundee United starlet.
Speaking about the Brighton game, the Reds boss said: “I love that the players embraced the situation and delivered. It is probably wrong after a 5-1 away win to single out any individual but to highlight the importance of the ‘together’ mentality I will mention Andrew Robertson.
“This player has had to be patient, has had to train and work each day in training and yet see someone else in his position be on fire and keep him out of the team on a matchday.
“I know this is not easy for any player and it tests them emotionally and mentally. Robbo’s performance and contribution at Brighton shows he is passing this test and rising to the challenge in this moment.
“It is by continuing to show this attitude and this mentality he will achieve what he dreams of at the highest level of the game. Robbo – and others who have been in this position until now – are as important to what we want to achieve as anyone else in the dressing room.
“Without them, without their desire and hunger to compete and contribute, we will achieve nothing. With them – and with them recognising their importance and value – we are so strong.”
The left-back position has been a problem for Liverpool since John Arne Riise was romping up and down the flank.
But Moreno has finally stepped up to the plate. He made just two Premier League starts last season and Klopp even turned to central midfielder James Milner to fill in the problem role. But he has responded to a pow-wow with Klopp over the summer and was recently recalled by Spain.
Robertson’s hopes of making an immediate impact were also hamperedby Klopp’s preference for his full-backs to drive inside from wide areas rather than hug the touchline and swing in crosses.
He has spoken about the challenges of adapting to life at Liverpool and said: “Of course it’s difficult. I don’t make any secret of it, I hate not playing.
“It’s been a very frustrating three months but I spoke to the manager as I felt as if the settling-in period was over and thought I was ready to play.
“I felt I did myself justice in the games I did play. He gave me a few points to work on so that’s kept me going.
“I know I’m still in his plans and if I work on the things he’s asked me to hopefully I’ll be in the first team or closer to it.”