James Milner says he can still learn a lot from his manager Jurgen Klopp and that the boss is exactly the same on camera as he is behind the scenes at Melwood.
There has been a perception from some rival supporters over the years that Klopp acts the joker in front of the cameras for attention, but that certainly is not the case. He’s exactly the same on a day-to-day basis, which must be amazing to be involved in.
As Milner has been explaining, the best thing about Klopp is that he is such a character all of the time – it is definitely not an act.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, Milner said: “The biggest thing with the manager is that what you see is what you get. He doesn’t have one front for the cameras and then he’s completely different with the players.
“He’s honest with the players and he lives every minute of it. He’s on the side and he’s bouncing around, he wants to be out there. That energy’s big for us when we’re down.
“He seems to judge it right: when to put an arm around the shoulder after a game. If we haven’t played well or something, he knows what to say at half-time, or if you need a rocket he’ll give you that as well. He seems to judge those situations very well.”
Klopp is among the best managers in the world, not just for his man-management skills but also for other elements of his coaching such as his tactics.
For someone like Milner, who has worked with several coaches over the years, to pick out Klopp’s qualities like this shows the level of coach the German is.
Hopefully, both of the pair will still be at Anfield for another few seasons yet.