‘Klopp blocked my transfer’
Liverpool veteran Lucas Leiva has opened up about his relationship with manager Jurgen Klopp, saying it is ‘very good’, despite Klopp blocking a move for him away from Anfield in the summer.
The Brazilian midfielder has been part of the club for 9 years and is currently their longest serving player.
He was due to depart in the summer, with a move to Galatasaray very much close to completion. However, the deal was axed after Klopp shut the entire thing down.
Nevertheless, Lucas holds no hard feelings towards his manager and is focusing on challenging for major honours.
“There really were a few exit opportunities, they ended up not happening, Liverpool didn’t feel comfortable to seal a deal,” he told ESPN Brazil.
“For the time I’ve been here, I respected the club and stayed for another year, for this season, starting my 10th season for the club, which is a very cool mark.
“A season with Klopp is much different than any other season I had with other managers.
“My relationship with Klopp is very good, I have full confidence from him.
“Last year there were eight or nine months to know a little more about the way he wants the team to work.
“And this year, with a full pre-season with him and new signings, we started the Premier League very well.
“So we expect to be able to have a different year than last year in relation to titles, last year we got to two finals and we lost the two, and this year we expect it to be different.”
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
