Dejan Lovren has hailed Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for his role in helping him rediscover his form and go someway towards establishing himself at Anfield.
An incredibly mixed season for the club hasn’t stopped the Reds boss from having a notable impact on a number of individuals who have been subject to debate over whether their future was on Merseyside.
Lovren certainly fits that bill having endured a difficult start since his £20 million move from Southampton before showing signs of striking up a solid partnership with Joel Matip.
“He is definitely the right manager for me,” the defender told the Liverpool Echo.
“He is like a father figure to us, not the best friend but someone to help you and give the best advice and it is up to you if you want to accept and follow him, but everyone does it.”
“For me, he took a big part in everything from day one. Also, from day one, I didn’t expect that it would go like that.”
“Of course I gave it my best but he gave me this confidence and belief. He believed in me. When you have somebody behind you, who has stuck with you, even in the bad moments, it means a lot to you,- not just for me, also for the team, I think a lot of players changed.”
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Injuries Lovren himself has picked up as well as that of Matip have somewhat disrupted the Croatian’s progress and, in turn, the team’s.
Liverpool were unbeaten in the first 14 games, albeit non-consecutively, in which the pair had started together, hinting at what could have been had they been available for the entire season.
The task at hand now for Lovren and his teammates is driving the team to that all-important top four spot.