Joe Gomez thanks Jurgen Klopp for managing emotional state during Liverpool injury lay-off

Gomez had a serious knee injury when Klopp arrived at Anfield

Gomez was out for more than a year with the injury (Getty)

Joe Gomez has thanked Jurgen Klopp for the way he managed his emotional state as he recovered from a cruciate knee at Liverpool.

The defender, who has enjoyed a long run in the Reds first team this season, joined from Charlton Athletic in 2015 but had suffered his knee injury by the time Klopp arrived on Merseyside.

As Gomez was unknown to Klopp and unable to showcase what he could do, it wouldn’t have been surprising had he been shipped out on loan once fit but Klopp gave him patience and encouragement and made sure he stayed at Anfield throughout his development.

“When he (Klopp) came in, I was going through a tough time,” Gomez told the Mirror. “He didn’t need to look after me the way he did,” said Gomez. “He was always looking after my emotional state rather than talking about where I was at with rehab.

“He has such a good relationship with all of his players, knowing when to talk to you, when to leave you, and he’s been great for me, especially through the tough time I’ve been through. It’s something I’ll always be grateful for.

“Coming here to Liverpool, with the history of playing young players, it was the place to go to if I was to move. They’ve not let me down. I can’t give enough thanks to the manager here, the club and it’s been fantastic for me.”