Liverpool star Joe Gomez promises to repay Jurgen Klopp: He saved my career

LIVERPOOL defender Joe Gomez says he is desperate to repay Jurgen Klopp for helping him through his injury hell.

Joe GomezGETTY

Joe Gomez recently was named as the England U21 captain

Gomez claims the Reds boss was crucial to him coping with his 15-month lay-off with a knee injury.

And he says he wants to thank the German by helping him claim trophies this season.

Gomez - the new England Under-21s captain - was sidelined for 15 months with a cruciate ligament injury.

He returned to fitness in January and has been handed a place in the Liverpool starting XI this season by Klopp.

“He has given me opportunities to play he has spoken to me a lot and I want to fulfil his trust,” said Gomez, 20.

It is a good environment at Liverpool to progress

Liverpool star Joe Gomez

“It is a good environment at Liverpool to progress. We are getting opportunities as young players and it gives you motivation to continue if you are getting that chance for your hard work.

“And we are playing with top players. He doesn’t mind that whatever age you are.

“It is a massive club and everything is exciting. We have an exciting playing style and a top manager.

“Trophies are the benchmark. We got off to a good start last season then had a rough patch. I think all the bits are there to challenge and win trophies this season.

“The manager has brought a lot of light and belief to the city, the supporters and the dressing room.

"It shows on the pitch with the desire, the work rate, the style and the counter-pressing that he wants us to do.

“Now we have had a season to bed down and it is all in place to perform and get results.”

Gomez ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament playing for England Under-21s in 2015 in the week of Klopp’s appointment as Reds boss.

But he says Klopp helped him deal with his long lay-off.

Jurgen KloppGETTY

Jurgen Klopp has yet to win a trophy in charge of Liverpool

“He did his own ACL previously in Germany so he spoke to me about it,” said Gomez.

“I was emotional and disappointed but he was just positive, which was good.”

Gomez will lead out Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21s against Latvia at Bournemouth on Tuesday after opting out of Euro 2017 this summer to focus on his fitness.

“It was one of the biggest decisions I have had to make,” he said. “Watching us lose to the Germans on penalties was painful.”

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