Liverpool utility man Fabinho is ready to knuckle down and study the various football lessons on offer from manager Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, he has revealed.
Fabinho, snapped up in the summer from French outfit AS Monaco, admits he has already picked up some valuable lesson from the Kop boss in what has been a relatively short time since his arrival.
And the Samba star, who can operate as a right-back or as a defensive midfielder, says he was happy to commit to the sign-up offer to continue his education under the tutelage of the German coach.
Fabinho, who is currently with Brazil with fellow countryman and Liverpool teammates Alisson Becker and Roberto Firmino for games against Saudi Arabia and Argentina, said:
“It’s a new experience for me because Klopp has a different style of work from the way I’m used to – but this is something I will learn. I’ve learned a few things from him but it is just the start. He is a coach who demands a lot from his players, not only in matches but also in training.
“My process to adapt to English football has been very good. Since pre-season I believe I have understood the way Klopp plays and the way the team plays. My relationship with my teammates has also been very good, like Firmino, who has been helping me, and also Alisson. I’m playing a little bit more and that’s important because it’s important to adapt on the pitch by playing matches.”
Meanwhile, one player who is eager to continue following his own learning curve under Klopp is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. But the former Arsenal attacker faces many months on the sidelines after picking up a serious ligament injury in the Champions League semi-final with AS Roma last season. He knows he will need to be patient before he can return to full fitness and make a comeback.
In the meantime, teammate Jordan Henderson says he expects the Ox’s overwhelming positivity to shine through has he continues with his recovery. Reds skipper Hendo told the Liverpool magazine:
“It’s very difficult for Ox. The great performances he was putting in before he got injured made it one of the best periods of his career so far. So, to get injured for such a long time is hard to take.
“The type of lad he is, he’s very positive, very good to be around, and he’s remained like that. I’m sure he’ll have his moments but whenever I speak to him he’s always positive and he always looks good.
“He’s a great lad and I just hope he can keep getting stronger and get back to us as soon as he can, because he’s a massive, massive player for us. I’ve played with Ox for a long time, from England U21s up, and I knew how good he was then. It was a massive bonus we signed him and I know he will come back stronger. When he does and he gets back into his rhythm, he’ll be straight back in.
“So, fingers crossed he keeps going the way he has been because I think he’s progressing well with his rehab. Hopefully that will continue because Ox has got a big part to play whenever he is back.”
