Klopp believes Liverpool are now creating a “new culture” among the squad following the appointment of Virgil van Dijk as skipper – with Mohamed Salah promoted to the leadership group.
the Reds boss has revealed Andy Robertson is next in line behind new vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold after a major reshuffle in the senior ranks.
Salah, preparing for his sixth season in Liverpool, has now bolstered the leadership group following the departure of the duo.
Klopp said:
“The leadership group is Virgil, Trent, Robbo, Ali and Mo, and they all have captain's potential. These five players will have a massive role.
“He (Virgil) wants to be a leader, he is a leader. He has to step up, like all of us have to step up because we were used to things how they always were and now we have to create something new – a new structure, a new culture – and that's really exciting.
“He will play a massive role in that – he has to. With the captaincy now, I'm pretty sure in the moment he feels the pride, he feels the honour. But I think it was the absolute logical decision.”
Klopp said of the right-back’s promotion:
“I just think Trent is ready. He is our Scouser. He improved, he developed as a player and as a person massively.
"I wanted him to be in that role, we spoke about it and he was more than happy to take it because it's important that the boys understand the work behind the honour.
“I think it's a really good decision. Not all my decisions I am always happy with afterwards but with this one I know I will be. I will stay happy because he's not only representing that slightly younger generation, he's representing everything about this club, knowing every person in this club, knowing every driver in the club, knowing really everything – and I think this is really important.
"I think we will hopefully have a lot of joy with this boy and with the new role he should feel the trust we have in him and let's see where that leads to.”
Opmerkingen