Philippe Coutinho
New Liverpool boss Klopp thinks Milner is the 'complete footballer'
Philippe Coutinho

New Liverpool boss Klopp thinks Milner is the 'complete footballer'

Published Oct. 19, 2015 7:26 a.m. ET

Jurgen Klopp insists there is no need to "sprinkle magic dust" on Liverpool, and says James Milner is the "complete footballer".

The former Borussia Dortmund boss made his Premier League bow with a solid goalless draw for his injury-depleted side at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

Klopp is renowned for expecting a high work rate from his players and his demands were met on Saturday, with his side becoming the first team to outrun Tottenham this season.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We don't have to sprinkle magical dust on them: 'and now you can play football'. They know how to play. We just have to create a situation where it is possible to do this," Klopp said.

"I am not sure how many games you saw like this from Adam Lallana? I know him from Southampton and he can do 20-30 percent more.

"Philippe Coutinho? Do you not think he can play better football than today? Of course, he can.

"Lucas? You don't think he can play balls on the right and left side? Of course he can. Emre Can? Learning between running and passing? He can learn.

"Milner? The complete football player, the perfect professional. [You think] I should teach them technical aspects? They know. We have to altogether help them show it," he added.

Klopp will be hoping to pick up his first win as a Liverpool manager on Thursday when they host Russian side Rubin Kazan in the Europa League. 

share


Philippe Coutinho
Get more from Philippe Coutinho Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more