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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

Liverpool legend names key similarity between Jurgen Klopp and Alex Ferguson

Disappointed Liverpool players are never heard complaining because of how manager Jurgen Klopp deals with them, says Mark Lawrenson.

And the former Reds centre-back, who built a formidable defensive partnership with Alan Hansen in the 1980s, believes that the current Anfield boss is using the same approach adopted by legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, when it comes to keeping a high quality squad onside.

A number of first team players have found just getting into the match day squad a challenge in recent weeks, with a lack of injuries resulting in disappointment for those who have failed to make the cut, but Lawrenson believes Klopp's man management skills are crucial to keeping a harmonious dressing room - even down to appeasing his back up goalkeeper.

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Speaking on Irish football podcast Off The Ball, Lawrenson said: “He told him (Caoimhin Kelleher) at least a month ago if not longer that he’ll play in the final.

"If you think about it, when you talk about Manchester United and the rumours coming out from the dressing room, you don’t get any of that at Liverpool, and I think it's because when he leaves players out he pulls them in and says ‘you're not playing tomorrow, but in two games when we have Brighton away, you’re definitely going to play’.

"He’s always giving the disappointed players something to look forward to. I think Fergie did it at Manchester United towards the end of his career and he’s doing exactly the same thing.

"He’s just an outstanding manager and he’s an outstanding bloke as well. That comes through when you meet him. It's just the way he is."

Klopp's faith in his whole squad has proven to be more than just a token gesture, with the German following through on his promise to play reserve 'keeper Kelleher in the Carabao Cup Final ahead of established first choice Alisson Becker.

And his trust in the young Irishman paid off, with Liverpool eventually lifting the trophy on Sunday for a record ninth time as the young stopper stepped up to score the Reds' 11th spot-kick in a sudden death shoot-out.

Lawrenson said: "Kelleher has done fabulous and his penalty just showed that he's got massive 'cajones' and generally, if you look at the competition and the games that Liverpool played in, his been one (of) if not the outstanding player in all of the games."

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