Jurgen Klopp gave today’s press-conference ahead of Tuesday’s League Cup tie with Derby, and was asked about our apparently excellent summer signing Joel Matip…
The Cameroonian arrived from Schalke on a Bosman and has hit the ground running in central defence. The 25-year-old was particularly impressive verses Chelsea last time out, pocketing the dangerous Diego Costa throughout…
Our manager is naturally over the moon with Matip’s start to life on Merseyside, as referenced by the Echo.
“If you lived or worked in Germany you would have known much more about him!” Klopp said with a smile on his face.
“It was pretty clear it would make sense to sign him.
“He had this surgery but it was not without complications. A little infection, so he needed time.
“Tall players like him need physical fitness. He needed to create some physical strength.
“But there was never a doubt about his quality. It’s very important because of the situation in the centre-half position.”
Alongside Dejan Loven, Matip’s place in our starting XI is pretty much nailed down, for the time being.
It’s great to have two in-form centre-backs, something we’ve lacked throughout Klopp’s tenure. With Mamadou Sakho returning to fitness and Lucas and Ragnar Klavan providing steely, adequate backup; we’re finally well stocked at the back.
Now, it’s for the defenders to provide the first Premier League clean-sheet of the campaign. Next weekend at home to Hull City will hopefully provide a perfect opportunity.