Jurgen Klopp’s decision to quit at the end of the season shocked many in football – including Gillingham’s former Liverpool defender Conor Masterson.
The Irish defender was influenced by Klopp at a young age as the Liverpool manager plucked him from the youth ranks to train alongside his all-star squad.
Masterson won’t ever forget what Klopp did for his career – just like many who were left shocked by his recent announcement to stand down at the end of this season.
“I was obviously shocked by it if I’m honest,” said Masterson,
“He gave me my chance around the first team, training with them and on the bench for certain games.
“I have a lot of respect for Jurgen Klopp because being at the club like Liverpool and being able to have a chance like he gave me was unbelievable.
“You can see that he’s (now bringing through) Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah and a few others who have come through. I played in the same youth team as Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and he is the one who has brought us all through at the time. I am just grateful for the opportunity that he gave me and I wish him all the best.”
Klopp’s trust in youth helped so many young players blossom. Masterson didn’t make the grade at Liverpool, moving on to QPR and eventually Gillingham, but it was an experience he’ll always remember fondly.
“He allowed you to go out and express yourself,” Masterson said.
“When I went up (to the first team) I was nervous but then when you get on the training pitch and he encourages you, the shackles are off and you go out and impress.
“The young lads that go out onto the pitch will have it in their minds that they know he believes in them and that is a powerful thing.
“I have seen a few team-talks of his before the game and you are ready to go to war, put it that way, you are so fired up. It means a lot to him and so it means a lot to you. He is a very passionate person. I like passion, so it was really good for me.
“I had one seriously good chat with him which was great, but I ended up getting injured after so it didn’t help me, but he is a great man manager and he makes you feel 10 foot tall, like you are the best player on the pitch.
“When you look at Liverpool now on the pitch, they look like they are on top of the world and they all go out and play with a smile on their face with the intensity that no other team really can match, he is the main part of that.
“He will be a loss to English football, big time.”
